Greek Pastitsio (greek Pastitsio)

Greek Pastitsio is a classic Balkan dish that consists of layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce. This comforting and flavorful casserole is a staple in Greek cuisine and is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Gluten Free Main Course Balkan Greek Pasta Casserole Balkan Cuisine
Greek Pastitsio (greek Pastitsio)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  6. Layer half of the cooked penne pasta in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the meat sauce over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  8. Let the pastitsio cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
20g

Supplies

9x13 inch baking dish Skillet Saucepan

Tools

Whisk Wooden spoon Cooking pot

Serving suggestions

Serve the Greek Pastitsio with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Cost

$20