Pin it A classic Greek casserole featuring layers of tubular pasta, savory spiced beef, and creamy béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection.
I first tasted homemade Pastitsio during a memorable family holiday in Athens& everyone went back for seconds! The aroma as it bakes is pure nostalgia for me& I love serving it at reunions because it warms the whole house.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) bucatini or penne pasta, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 large eggs (beaten), 50 g (1/2 cup) grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
- Beef Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 80 ml (1/3 cup) red wine, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste
- Béchamel Sauce: 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, 60 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour, 800 ml (3 1/3 cups) whole milk (warmed), 2 large eggs, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese, salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Boil the pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in butter, beaten eggs, and grated cheese. Set aside.
- Make the beef sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion& cook until soft. Add garlic& cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef& brown it. Stir in tomato paste& cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt& pepper. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
- Make the béchamel sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour& cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer 5–6 minutes until thickened. In a bowl, whisk eggs& temper with hot béchamel before returning to the saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
- Assemble & bake:
- Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Top with all meat sauce. Add remaining pasta. Pour béchamel over the top& smooth. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown& set. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Pin it When I make this for family, everyone loves gathering around the table& sharing stories as the dish is sliced. The crispy golden top is always the most coveted part!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, saucepan, whisk, baking dish (23x33 cm (9x13 inch))
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), eggs. Cheese may contain animal rennet. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 630, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 33 g
Pin it Serve pastitsio with a fresh Greek salad for a balanced meal. Its creamy and savory flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!