Greek Pastitsio Casserole (Print)

A layered Greek casserole combining tubular pasta, spiced beef, and smooth béchamel sauce baked to perfection.

# Components:

→ 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 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 skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, break up lumps, and cook until browned.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 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 saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer 5 to 6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. In a bowl, whisk eggs. Slowly add a ladle of hot béchamel to eggs, whisking to temper, then return mixture to saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half the pasta evenly in the baking dish. Top with all meat sauce. Cover with remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce evenly over the top.
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.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • Classic layering of pasta, spiced beef, and creamy béchamel for rich, comforting flavor.
  • The blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a unique Greek twist.
  • Versatile and hearty main dish suitable for family meals and gatherings.
  • Golden cheesy crust enhances both taste and presentation.
02 -
  • Use bucatini for an authentic texture, but penne works well as a substitute.
  • Allow the béchamel sauce to cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
  • Simmer the beef sauce uncovered to intensify flavors and thicken the sauce properly.
  • Greasing the baking dish thoroughly helps to release the Pastitsio easily after baking.
  • Rest the baked casserole before serving to let it set for easier slicing.
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