Greek Pastitsio Classic Casserole (Printable)

Savory Greek casserole layered with pasta, spiced beef, and creamy béchamel baked to perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water and cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and return to pot. Stir in butter, beaten eggs, and grated cheese. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
04 - Mix 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 until sauce thickens. Remove bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk while whisking until smooth. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove sauce from heat. Whisk eggs in a bowl. Gradually add a ladle of hot béchamel to eggs, whisking constantly to temper. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Layer all beef sauce evenly. Top with remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce on top and smooth surface.
08 - Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and set. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty Greek comfort food made from scratch
  • Perfect for sharing with family or at gatherings
02 -
  • Kefalotyri cheese gives an authentic flavor, but Parmesan is a good substitute.
  • Pasta should be cooked just al dente so it holds together during baking.
03 -
  • Temper eggs before adding them to hot béchamel to prevent curdling.
  • Allow pastitsio to cool before slicing for neat, beautiful layers.
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