Greek Pastitsio Classic Layers (Print Version)

Layers of pasta, spiced beef, and creamy béchamel combine in this classic Greek casserole.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz bucatini or penne pasta
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - ½ cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

→ Beef Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1.1 lb ground beef
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - ⅓ cup red wine
12 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Béchamel Sauce

16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
18 - 3⅓ cups whole milk, warmed
19 - 2 large eggs
20 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
21 - ½ cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
22 - Salt and white pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Set oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water 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. Incorporate ground beef and brown thoroughly.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove from heat. In a bowl, whisk eggs. Temper eggs by slowly adding hot béchamel, then return mixture to saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Top evenly with the beef sauce. Add remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce over the top, smoothing the surface.
08 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until top is golden brown and set. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Layered flavors in every bite
  • Creamy and satisfying traditional Greek dish
02 -
  • Substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer flavor
  • Kefalotyri cheese can be replaced with Parmesan if unavailable
03 -
  • Tempering the eggs with hot béchamel prevents curdling
  • Allow the dish to rest before slicing for cleaner cuts
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