Description
Pastitsio, a beloved Greek lasagna, is a comforting and satisfying dish that layers tender pasta with a rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty meal is sure to impress your guests. The combination of flavors from ground beef, aromatic spices, and melted cheese creates a delightful experience in every bite. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, Pastitsio is a versatile recipe that you can customize with different meats or vegetables to suit your taste. Try this delicious rendition of a traditional favorite that brings warmth and joy to the table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large red onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup red grape juice
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4½ cups milk (2%)
- 1 pound Pastitsio pasta
- ¾ cup Kefalotyri cheese (or Parmesan, grated)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Add red grape juice, bay leaves, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes; add water and sugar. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in cheese and seasonings.
- Cook Pastitsio pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and mix with reserved egg whites.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer half of the pasta in a baking dish followed by half the meat sauce. Repeat layers and top with béchamel sauce.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; let rest before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg