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Easy Homemade Pastitsio

Easy Homemade Pastitsio: Comforting Greek Layers You’ll Love

Easy Homemade Pastitsio combines comforting layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel for a delicious Greek dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Opt for lean ground sirloin for a lighter option.
  • 1 Onion Adds a sweet depth; shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes can give you a chunkier consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon A hint of nutmeg is also complementary.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Feel free to use sea salt or table salt as alternatives.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pastitsio Noodles Large penne or mostaccioli can replace it.
  • 1 Eggs Consider using flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine can be substituted for a dairy-free option.
  • 4 tablespoons Flour Gluten-free flour works beautifully for sensitivities.
  • 4 cups Whole Milk Plant-based milk is suitable for those avoiding lactose.
  • 2 Eggs Gently whisk into the béchamel off the heat.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Kasseri Cheese Asiago or another Italian cheese can be used as replacements.
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (Topping) Non-dairy alternatives are available.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • baking pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Pastitsio
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add ground beef, cooking until browned, approximately 7-10 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and ground cinnamon; cover and let simmer on low for 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pastitsio noodles. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and let cool slightly. Mix the warm pasta with one beaten egg.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Whisk in flour, cooking for 2 minutes until golden. Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Off the heat, stir in two beaten eggs.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan and start layering. Begin with half of the noodle mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce, and a layer of Kasseri cheese. Repeat with remaining noodles and meat sauce, topping with béchamel and melted butter.
  5. Bake the assembled Pastitsio in the oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Let the meat sauce sit overnight for better flavor. Whisk béchamel vigorously to avoid lumps. Cool completely before storing.

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