Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Greek Pastitsio, a delightful baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender pasta, spiced ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, impressing guests with its unique blend of Mediterranean spices like cinnamon and cloves. With its hearty nature and satisfying taste, Greek Pastitsio is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.4 pounds ground beef (or mix of meats)
- 1 pound pastitsio pasta
- 3 cups grated cheese (Kefalotiri and Parmigiano Reggiano)
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1.2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion (grated or finely chopped)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup dry wine (white, rose, or red)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups pureed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly ground nutmeg (about 1/3 of a nutmeg seed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine salt
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce by browning the ground beef in olive oil. Add onions and carrots, then incorporate spices, wine, tomato paste, and pureed tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
- Cook pasta until al dente; mix with grated cheese in a greased casserole dish.
- Layer the meat sauce over the pasta and top with remaining pasta.
- Make béchamel by whisking flour and oil, then gradually adding milk until thickened. Stir in nutmeg, salt, cheese, and eggs.
- Pour béchamel over the layered pasta and bake at 355°F for 50-60 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg