Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake)

Introduction

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish, often referred to as Greek pasta bake. This comforting and hearty meal layers pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel on top. Loved by many, it brings the essence of Greek cuisine right to your table. It’s perfect for family gatherings or when you want to impress guests with a delicious homemade feast.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Pastitsio at home allows you to savor the delightful flavors of Greek cuisine. It’s a great way to gather your family or friends around the dinner table, sharing hearty portions of this delightful dish. The rich textures from the beef, the creamy béchamel, and the tender pasta make this dish truly exceptional. Plus, preparing it yourself gives you the chance to customize the recipe to suit your taste!

How to Make Pastitsio

Making Pastitsio involves three main components: the meat sauce, the béchamel sauce, and cooking the pasta. Once you have all these pieces, assembling the dish is straightforward, and the results are worth the effort.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 red onions, finely chopped
1 kg / 2 lb beef mince (ground beef)
3/4 cup dry red wine
800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp white sugar
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter
3/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
1 litre / 4 cups whole milk
1/8 tsp nutmeg, preferably fresh
1/2 tsp salt
100g / 3 oz Kefalotyri cheese, finely shredded
2 egg yolks
400g / 14 oz Pastitsio No. 2 pasta (or other small pasta)
120g / 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
2 egg whites
75g / 3 oz Kefalotyri cheese, finely grated

Directions

Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and add garlic and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the beef and cook until it turns brown, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Pour in the wine and cook until it mostly evaporates.
- Next, add all remaining meat sauce ingredients, stir well, bring to a simmer, and reduce the heat. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until thick.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
Greek Béchamel:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring until you have a smooth mixture.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until thick, then stir in nutmeg, cheese, and salt. Let it cool for a few minutes, then whisk in egg yolks.
Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir in egg whites and gently fold in the crumbled feta.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the pasta in a baking dish and spread the meat sauce over it. Pour the béchamel on top and sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Pastitsio

Pastitsio is best served warm, cut into neat slices. It goes well with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Pastitsio

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Pastitsio

Ensure the meat sauce is thick enough; it should not be saucy.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Let the Pastitsio cool before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Variation

You can experiment by adding vegetables to the meat sauce, such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with small ziti, penne, or regular bucatini.
Is Pastitsio suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Pastitsio?
A Greek salad or some roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.

Enjoy making this delicious Greek dish! Pastitsio is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Pastitsio

A comforting and hearty Greek pasta bake layered with a rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel, perfect for family gatherings and impressing guests.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 2

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the meat sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 medium red onions, finely chopped
1 kg beef mince (ground beef) or 2 lb
3/4 cup dry red wine
800 g canned crushed tomatoes or 28 oz
2 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp white sugar
1 leaf bay leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 stick cinnamon (optional)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the béchamel sauce

100 g unsalted butter
3/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
1 litre whole milk or 4 cups
1/8 tsp nutmeg, preferably fresh
1/2 tsp salt
100 g Kefalotyri cheese, finely shredded
2 large egg yolks

For the pasta

400 g Pastitsio No. 2 pasta (or other small pasta) or 14 oz
120 g feta cheese, crumbled or 4 oz
2 large egg whites
75 g Kefalotyri cheese, finely grated or 3 oz

Instructions

Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pot and add garlic and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the beef and cook until it turns brown, breaking it up as it cooks.
Pour in the wine and cook until it mostly evaporates.
Next, add all remaining meat sauce ingredients, stir well, bring to a simmer, and reduce the heat. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until thick.
Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.

Greek Béchamel

Melt butter in a large saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add the milk while stirring until you have a smooth mixture.
Cook for about 5 minutes until thick, then stir in nutmeg, cheese, and salt. Let it cool for a few minutes, then whisk in egg yolks.

Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute. Drain and return to the pot.
Stir in egg whites and gently fold in the crumbled feta.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the pasta in a baking dish and spread the meat sauce over it. Pour the béchamel on top and sprinkle with more cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Pastitsio is best served warm, cut into neat slices. It goes well with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven until warmed through. Ensure the meat sauce is thick enough; it should not be saucy. Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Let the Pastitsio cool before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Keyword Béchamel Sauce, comfort food, Greek Pasta Bake, Pasta Dish, Pastitsio