Creamy Greek Pasta Bake (Pastitsio)
Creamy Greek Pasta Bake, or Pastitsio, is a beloved traditional dish that features layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a velvety béchamel sauce. Unlike the traditional preparation, this version foregoes sweet spices to allow the rich flavors of the beef and the creaminess of the sauce to shine. This hearty one-dish meal is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, ensuring comfort and flavor in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, it's an ideal way to introduce the wonderful flavors of Greek cuisine to your dinner table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
ground beef
1 lb (browned and seasoned)
Italian seasoning or Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon (mixed with meat)
salt
3 teaspoons (divided)
black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
sliced kalamata olives (optional)
2 tablespoons (added to meat mixture)
diced tomatoes or sliced roasted red pepper
1 cup (added to meat mixture)
white wine or red wine
1/4 cup (added to meat mixture)
ziti pasta
12 ounces (cooked al dente)
egg
2 large (1 beaten for pasta, 1 beaten for béchamel)
2% low-fat milk or half-and-half
1 cup (mixed with pasta)
flour
1/4 cup (mixed in béchamel)
dry ground mustard
1 teaspoon (mixed in béchamel)
half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (for béchamel)
chicken stock
1/2 cup (for béchamel)
parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated, for béchamel)
paprika
1 teaspoon (for topping)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over moderate heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3
Add the ground beef along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, then drain any excess fat. Return the beef mixture to the pan, stir in the sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and white wine. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, then set aside to cool.
4
While the meat mixture cools, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse to prevent sticking.
5
In a large bowl, combine the remaining pasta ingredients: melted butter, beaten egg, and low-fat milk. Add the cooked pasta and gently mix until well combined.
6
For the béchamel sauce, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour, salt, black pepper, and dry ground mustard, cooking for about 1 minute.
7
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken stock, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
8
To temper the egg, add a small amount of the hot béchamel sauce to the beaten egg, whisking it together. Slowly whisk this egg mixture back into the saucepan with the béchamel, then add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until uniformly combined and smooth.
9
To assemble, in a deep oven-proof dish or large loaf pan, spread half of the pasta mixture as the base. Pour 1 cup of the béchamel sauce over the pasta.
10
Layer the meat mixture on top of the béchamel, then add another cup of béchamel on top of the meat.
11
Spread the remaining pasta over this layer, and finish by topping with the rest of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle evenly with paprika and chopped parsley.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Once removed from the oven, allow it to set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Greek Pasta Bake or Pastitsio?
Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish consisting of layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and a velvety béchamel sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of pasta should I use?
Ziti pasta is recommended for this recipe, cooked until al dente.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
Does this recipe use sweet spices?
No, this version foregoes traditional sweet spices to emphasize the rich flavors of the beef and creaminess of the sauce.
What seasonings are used for the meat mixture?
The meat is seasoned with Italian or Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
The meat mixture should simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Can I substitute the wine in the meat sauce?
Yes, you can use either white wine or red wine depending on your preference.
What is the total amount of butter needed?
A total of 6 tablespoons of butter is used throughout the recipe.
How do I prepare the pasta for the base layer?
Combine cooked ziti with melted butter, one beaten egg, and low-fat milk.
What goes into the béchamel sauce?
The sauce includes butter, flour, salt, black pepper, dry ground mustard, half-and-half, chicken stock, one egg, and parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to bake?
The dish should bake for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Is there a resting period after cooking?
Yes, let the pastitsio set for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1.5 cups of grated parmesan cheese for the béchamel sauce.
Are there any optional ingredients for the meat mixture?
Sliced kalamata olives are an optional addition to the meat layer.
What can be used instead of diced tomatoes?
You can use sliced roasted red peppers as an alternative to diced tomatoes.
How do I temper the egg for the sauce?
Whisk a small amount of hot béchamel into a beaten egg before slowly adding the mixture back into the saucepan.
What garnish is used on top?
The top is sprinkled with paprika and chopped parsley before baking.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Drain and rinse the pasta immediately after it finishes cooking al dente.
What size onion is required?
One small chopped onion is needed for the beef mixture.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Can I use half-and-half in the pasta mixture?
Yes, you can use either 2% low-fat milk or half-and-half for the pasta mixture.
What is the role of chicken stock in the béchamel?
Chicken stock is whisked in with the half-and-half to help thin and flavor the sauce.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A deep oven-proof dish or a large loaf pan is ideal for layering.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
Spread half of the pasta mixture as the base and pour 1 cup of béchamel over it.
How many eggs are used in total?
Two large eggs are used: one for the pasta and one for the béchamel.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, drain any excess fat after the beef is browned and before adding the liquids.
What flavor does dry ground mustard add?
Dry ground mustard adds a subtle tang and depth to the creamy béchamel sauce.
Can this be used for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty one-dish meal is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
Is this a traditional Greek recipe?
Yes, Pastitsio is a beloved traditional Greek dish known for its distinct layers.