Pastitsio, often called Greek lasagna, has layers of cinnamon-spiced beef, penne, and a rich béchamel topping for the most amazing baked pasta dish the whole family will enjoy!
Preparation Time
45 mins
Cooking Time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
2 hr 15 mins
Calories
576 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2
Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
Step 3
Pour melted butter, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper over pasta; toss well and cool briefly. Add eggs and toss again; set aside.
Step 4
Make the meat sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir gently until onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Increase heat and add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in wine, broth, tomato paste, parsley, cinnamon, clove, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Step 5
Make the béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly before stirring in beaten egg. Transfer 1/2 cup of this sauce to the meat sauce.
Step 6
To assemble pastitsio: Spoon 1/2 of the prepared pasta evenly in the bottom of prepared baking dish; top with meat sauce and remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce on top and spread to completely cover pasta. Sprinkle Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 50 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
