Description
Pastitsio, a cherished Greek comfort dish, layers tender pasta, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel into a harmonious culinary embrace. Fragrant Mediterranean spices and classic ingredients combine, promising you a delightful journey through Greek home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef
- 1 lb (500g) ziti or penne pasta
- 3 cups (750ml) whole milk
Meat Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Béchamel Sauce and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Craft a robust meat sauce by gently sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, then incorporate ground beef and brown thoroughly. Introduce diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping and set aside.
- Create luxurious béchamel sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually stream milk while continuously stirring to eliminate potential lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, then remove from heat and gently fold in beaten eggs, a hint of nutmeg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of oil. Layer half the cooked pasta as the foundation, spread meat sauce evenly across the first pasta layer, then cover with remaining pasta.
- Generously pour béchamel sauce over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage. Optionally sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for enhanced richness.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Allow the pastitsio to rest for 10 minutes before serving, enabling flavors to settle and sauce to set.
Notes
- Optimize meat flavor by using a blend of ground beef and lamb for deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Enhance pasta texture by slightly undercooking pasta before assembling, allowing it to finish cooking in the oven and absorb sauce flavors.
- Control sauce consistency by whisking béchamel continuously and using room temperature milk to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
- Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and using cornstarch instead of flour in béchamel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg