Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Greek Pastitsio

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Greek Pastitsio is a comforting baked pasta dish layered with tubular pasta, a rich and spiced ground beef sauce, and creamy béchamel. Often referred to as Greek lasagna, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for gatherings or Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb tubular pasta (like bucatini or penne)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Extra Parmesan for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Pour in red wine, cook until evaporated.
  6. Add tomato sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Set the meat sauce aside.
  8. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  9. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  10. Stir in beaten egg into the béchamel sauce quickly to avoid scrambling.
  11. Layer half the pasta in a greased baking dish. Spread meat sauce evenly on top.
  12. Add the remaining pasta over the meat layer.
  13. Pour béchamel sauce over the top layer of pasta and spread evenly.
  14. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  15. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a more traditional flavor, use kefalotyri cheese instead of Parmesan if available.
  • You can substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer taste.
  • Letting the dish rest helps it set and makes slicing easier.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Find it online: https://homecooksimple.com/greek-pastitsio/