Pastitsio: Greek Baked Pasta

Pastitsio is a classic Greek baked pasta dish featuring layers of pasta, spiced ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Often described as Greek lasagna, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Introduction

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, savory ground meat sauce, and a rich béchamel topping. This dish is baked until golden and bubbly, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Its flavors and textures are reminiscent of lasagna but with a unique Greek twist.

Ingredients to make Pastitsio

For the Meat Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

1 lb pasta (such as bucatini or penne)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), ground cinnamon, dried oregano, ground allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well to combine.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce cool slightly, then whisk in the beaten eggs.
Assemble the Pastitsio:
- In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture in an even layer. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta in an even layer on top of the meat sauce.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the pastitsio cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pastitsio is best enjoyed warm, accompanied by a simple Greek salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Conclusion

Pastitsio is a classic Greek comfort dish that combines the best of baked pasta, spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. Perfect for sharing, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Greece with this traditional recipe.

Pastitsio

Recipe by Cook2ShareACourse: Greek FoodDifficulty: Difficult

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
1 lb pasta (such as bucatini or penne)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
For the Béchamel Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), ground cinnamon, dried oregano, ground allspice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and return to the pot.
Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs.
Mix well to combine.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce cool slightly, then whisk in the beaten eggs.
Assemble the Pastitsio:
In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture in an even layer.
Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta in an even layer on top of the meat sauce.
Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the pastitsio cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.