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Greek Pastitsio

Greek Pastitsio: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

Greek Pastitsio is a comforting layered baked pasta dish featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a velvety béchamel sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef can mix with lamb or pork
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil used for sautéing
  • 1 large Onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup Carrot grated
  • 2 Bay Leaves discard after cooking
  • 1 stick Cinnamon adds warmth
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves introduces warmth
  • 1 cup Dry Wine white, rosé, or red work
  • ¼ cup Tomato Paste deepens flavor
  • 2 cups Pureed Tomatoes canned or fresh
For the Pasta Layer
  • 1 pound Pastitsio Pasta can use bucatini or penne
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 1½ cups Grated Cheese Kefalotiri and Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1.2 cups All-Purpose Flour thickening agent
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg freshly grated
  • 6 cups Whole Milk for creaminess
  • 2 Large Eggs helps to set béchamel
  • to taste Fine Salt & Black Pepper season to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • casserole dish
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Greek Pastitsio
  1. Brown the meat in a skillet with olive oil for about 8-10 minutes until browned.
  2. Sauté onions and grated carrots until softened, then add spices and bay leaves.
  3. Add wine, followed by tomatoes and tomato paste, simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Cook Pastitsio pasta in salted water for 7-8 minutes, drain and rinse.
  5. Assemble layers in a greased casserole dish starting with pasta, then meat sauce.
  6. Prepare béchamel by whisking flour in oil, then gradually adding milk until thickened.
  7. Season béchamel with nutmeg, cheese, and eggs, then pour over the layers.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown for 50-60 minutes.
  9. Rest the Pastitsio for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow the dish to rest after baking for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with different cheese combinations for the béchamel sauce.

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