Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. This hearty and comforting casserole is a favorite in Greek cuisine, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this delicious dish at home and enjoy the rich flavors of Greece.
Ingredients for Pastitsio
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz or 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for pasta water
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
How to Make Pastitsio
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and translucent.
- Brown the meat: Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and pasta, cooking until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- Make roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add milk: Gradually whisk in warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth and thickened. Stir in ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Temper the eggs: In a small bowl, lightly beat eggs. Gradually whisk in a ladleful of hot béchamel sauce to temper the eggs, then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining béchamel, whisking constantly.
Assemble and Bake Pastitsio:
- Layering: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce.
- Second layer: Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat sauce layer. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the pasta, spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pastitsio rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the layers of flavors in this comforting Greek dish!
About the Main Ingredients
Ground Beef or Lamb:
The choice between beef or lamb adds richness to the meat sauce. Lamb provides a more traditional Greek flavor, while beef offers a milder taste. Both options pair well with the spices and tomatoes in the sauce.
Pasta (Penne or Ziti):
Penne or ziti pasta holds up well in the layers of pastitsio, providing a sturdy base for the meat and béchamel layers. Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it maintains its texture after baking.
Béchamel Sauce:
The creamy béchamel sauce adds a luxurious layer to the pastitsio. Made with butter, flour, milk, and seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, it binds the layers together and creates a velvety texture. Eggs are tempered into the sauce to enrich and stabilize it during baking.
Parmesan Cheese:
Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth and enhances the cheesiness of the dish. It forms a golden crust when baked, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of Greece with this homemade pastitsio recipe. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce are sure to satisfy. Embrace the aromas and tastes of traditional Greek cuisine with this delicious dish!
