Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole
Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious traditional Greek dish to impress your family and friends? Look no further than Pastitsio Casserole! This iconic Greek recipe combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce to create a mouthwatering dish that will transport you straight to the streets of Athens. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful Greek classic right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
For the Pasta:
– 1 lb penne or ziti pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 cups milk
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter for the béchamel sauce over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
7. In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly pour a ladle of the hot béchamel sauce into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper them.
8. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the butter, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix well.
10. Spread half of the pasta mixture onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, then cover with the remaining pasta mixture.
11. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top, making sure to spread it out to cover the pasta completely.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Allow the Pastitsio to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting Greek delicacy with a side salad and a glass of red wine for the perfect Mediterranean meal!
FAQs about Traditional Greek Pastitsio Casserole
What is Pastitsio?
Pastitsio is a traditional Greek baked pasta dish made with layers of tubular pasta, seasoned ground meat, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly.
What makes Pastitsio unique?
What sets Pastitsio apart from other pasta dishes is the addition of the rich béchamel sauce, creating a creamy and indulgent top layer that complements the savory meat and pasta layers.
What type of pasta is typically used in Pastitsio?
The most commonly used pasta in Pastitsio is bucatini or penne rigate, which are tubular pasta shapes that hold the delicious meat and sauce well.
Why is Pastitsio considered a comfort food?
Pastitsio is often considered a comfort food because of its hearty and wholesome ingredients, indulgent flavors, and the memories of family gatherings and traditional Greek celebrations it evokes.
Can Pastitsio be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! Pastitsio can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and then baked when ready to serve, making it a convenient and time-saving dish for gatherings and special occasions.
