Authentic Greek Pastitsio Bake
This Greek Pastitsio Bake is a rich, comforting dish that layers perfectly baked pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Originating from the heart of Greece, this classic recipe combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with tender bucatini or ziti pasta, creating a symphony of flavor that's perfect for family gatherings or as a delightful food gift for friends. The creamy top layer adds an indulgent finish, while the option to incorporate dried mint gives it a fresh twist. Serve this nostalgic dish for a satisfying one-dish meal that will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
bucatini or ziti pasta
8 ounces (cooked until al dente and drained)
melted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (for pasta mixture and additional for cream sauce)
milk
1/3 cup (for pasta mixture)
egg
1 (beaten for pasta mixture)
ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (cooked with ground beef)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (stirred into meat mixture)
salt
2 teaspoons (1 teaspoon for meat mixture and 1/4 teaspoon for sauce)
dried mint flakes
1 teaspoon (optional)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for meat mixture)
ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (for meat mixture)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for meat mixture)
butter
4 tablespoons (for sauce)
all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (for sauce)
milk
2 cups (for sauce)
egg
1 (beaten for sauce)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (for cream sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the bucatini or ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and return to the pot.
3
Add melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup milk, and the beaten egg to the pasta. Stir until well combined and set aside.
4
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
5
Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, dried mint flakes (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix well and set the meat mixture aside.
6
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cooking for about 1 minute.
7
Gradually stir in the 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form in the mixture. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat, mix in the beaten egg, and then stir in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
9
In a greased 11" x 7" (or 2-quart) baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture on the bottom.
10
Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the pasta layer, then top with the remaining pasta.
11
Pour the cream sauce evenly over the top to cover completely.
12
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until hot throughout and lightly browned on top.
13
Allow the Pastitsio to stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Greek Pastitsio Bake?
It is a rich, comforting Greek dish that layers perfectly baked pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
What type of pasta should be used for this recipe?
Bucatini or ziti pasta are the recommended choices for an authentic texture.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions and then drained.
What ingredients are added to the cooked pasta mixture?
The cooked pasta is combined with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup of milk, and one beaten egg.
What meat is used in the filling?
One pound of ground beef is used for the savory meat layer.
How is the meat mixture prepared?
Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, then drain any excess fat.
What sauce is used in the meat layer?
An 8-ounce can of tomato sauce is stirred into the meat mixture.
Which spices provide the distinct flavor in the meat mixture?
The meat is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and optional dried mint flakes.
Is the dried mint required?
No, the dried mint flakes are optional but they provide a fresh twist to the dish.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the meat mixture.
How much nutmeg is included?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for the meat layer.
How is the béchamel cream sauce base made?
It starts by melting 4 tablespoons of butter and whisking in flour and salt for about 1 minute.
How much milk is needed for the cream sauce?
Two cups of milk are gradually stirred into the butter and flour mixture.
How long does the cream sauce need to cook?
It should be stirred for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Are eggs added to the cream sauce?
Yes, one beaten egg is mixed into the sauce after it has been removed from the heat.
Is there cheese in the béchamel layer?
Yes, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese is stirred into the cream sauce.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 11-inch x 7-inch or 2-quart baking dish is required.
How is the Pastitsio layered?
Layer half the pasta, followed by the meat mixture, then the remaining pasta, and finally the cream sauce.
What is the first layer of the dish?
The first layer consists of half of the prepared pasta mixture.
Where does the meat mixture go in the layers?
The meat mixture is spooned evenly over the first layer of pasta.
What is the final layer before baking?
The final layer is the cream sauce, poured evenly to cover the entire top.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered.
How long does it take to bake?
It takes approximately 40 minutes in the oven.
How do you know when the Pastitsio is done?
It is ready when it is hot throughout and the top is lightly browned.
Why must the dish stand after baking?
Allowing it to stand for 10 minutes makes it easier to slice and serve.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a perfect comforting meal for family gatherings or Mediterranean-themed dinners.
Can I give this as a food gift?
Yes, it is a delightful and nostalgic food gift for friends.
How many total eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses two eggs: one for the pasta mixture and one for the cream sauce.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a classic recipe originating from the heart of Greece.