Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to a delicious journey into the heart of traditional Greek cuisine with Pastitsio Casserole. This beloved dish is a heavenly combination of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and flavorful spices, all baked together to create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions to create this classic Greek comfort food in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare a delightful serving of Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole:

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

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a tantalizing Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, red wine, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens.
6. Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with half of the béchamel sauce and spread it evenly in the baking dish.
8. Top the pasta layer with the meat sauce, then pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the meat.
9. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Allow the Pastitsio to cool slightly before slicing and serving this savory delight to impress your taste buds.

Embrace the essence of Greek culinary tradition with the timeless flavors of Pastitsio Casserole. Enjoy this comforting dish with loved ones and savor a taste of Greece right in your own home!

FAQ About Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole

What is Pastitsio?

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek baked pasta dish. It typically consists of layered pasta, a flavorful meat sauce with cinnamon and cloves, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly.

What are the main ingredients in Pastitsio?

The main ingredients in Pastitsio include pasta (often tubular like penne or ziti), ground meat (such as beef or lamb), onions, garlic, tomato sauce, red wine, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, olive oil, eggs, milk, flour, and grated cheese like Parmesan or Kefalotiri.

Is Pastitsio similar to Italian lasagna?

While both Pastitsio and lasagna are baked pasta dishes, they differ in flavors and ingredients. Pastitsio is distinct with its cinnamon and cloves spiced meat sauce and creamy béchamel topping, unlike the tomato-based sauce and cheese layers in lasagna.

How is Pastitsio served?

Pastitsio is often served as a main dish in Greek cuisine and is commonly accompanied by a fresh Greek salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It is a popular dish at celebrations and gatherings, enjoyed by many for its rich and comforting flavors.