Greek Pastitsio Classic Layers (Printable version)

A layered Greek casserole featuring tender pasta, spiced beef, and creamy béchamel sauce baked until golden.

# What you need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz bucatini or penne pasta
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

→ Beef Sauce

05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1.1 lb ground beef
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - 1/3 cup red wine
12 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Béchamel Sauce

16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
17 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 3 1/3 cups whole milk, warmed
19 - 2 large eggs
20 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
21 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
22 - Salt and white pepper, to taste

# Steps to follow:

01 - Set oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain, return to pot, then stir in butter, beaten eggs, and grated cheese. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and brown thoroughly.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Discard bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer 5–6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove from heat. Beat eggs in a bowl and temper by slowly adding a ladle of hot béchamel, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Layer half the pasta in the baking dish. Spread all meat sauce over it. Add remaining pasta on top, then pour béchamel evenly over the surface.
08 - Bake for 40–45 minutes until top is golden and set. Allow to rest at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Comforting layers with a creamy top
  • Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions
02 -
  • Pastitsio is traditionally enjoyed warm or at room temperature
  • Kefalotyri cheese gives it authentic Greek flavor
03 -
  • Let pastitsio cool before slicing for clean portions
  • Substitute ground lamb for beef for extra richness
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