Description
Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the nutmeg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the beaten eggs.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by the meat sauce, and then the remaining pasta.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- You can also add a layer of sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg