Ingredients for Greek Pastitsio Recipe
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g (14 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- For the Pasta Layer:
- 500 g (1 lb) Greek pasta (like bucatini or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- For the Bechamel Sauce:
- 1 liter (4 cups) milk, warmed
- 100 g (7 tbsp) butter
- 100 g (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking Instructions for making Greek Pastitsio Recipe
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and golden.
Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 20-30 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, then return to the pot.
Stir in butter and let melt, then add the cheese and beaten egg, mixing well to coat the pasta. Set aside.
Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour.
Gradually add warm milk while whisking until smooth and thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, then stir in the cheese until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Gradually add the beaten eggs while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
Assemble the Pastitsio:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta evenly on the bottom.
Add the meat sauce over the pasta, then cover with the remaining pasta.
Pour the bechamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
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