Greek Island Pastizio Delight
Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this Greek Island Pastizio Delight. This traditional baked noodle casserole combines layers of perfectly cooked ziti or penne with a savory ground meat mixture, infused with aromas of cinnamon and oregano. Topped with a creamy bechamel sauce and sprinkled with savory kefalotiri cheese, each bite transports you to a charming taverna on the sun-kissed shores of a Greek island. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is both hearty and comforting, sure to please everyone at your table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Noodles (Ziti or Penne Rigate)
500 g (Cooked in salted water until al dente.)
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (For frying)
Onion
1, chopped (Chopped)
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced)
Ground Beef
500 g (Raw)
Chopped Tomatoes (Pelati)
450 g (Chopped)
Bread Crumbs
2 tablespoons (For topping)
Dry Wine
100 ml (For deglazing)
Tomato Concentrate
1 tablespoon (For depth of flavor)
Dried Oregano
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Kefalotiri Cheese
3 tablespoons (Grated, for the meat sauce)
Egg
1 (Beaten, for the meat sauce)
Margarine
3 tablespoons (For the bechamel)
Flour
3 tablespoons (For the bechamel)
Milk
2 cups (For the bechamel)
Water
2 cups (For the bechamel)
Mashed Potatoes
2 medium (Substituted with 2 tablespoons potato powder mixed with 1 cup water)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Kefalotiri Cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons (Grated)
Egg (for topping)
1 (Beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2
Cook the noodles according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside, keeping warm.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking for about 5-8 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
5
Remove from heat and mix in the chopped tomatoes, dry wine, tomato concentrate, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and kefalotiri cheese until well combined. Adjust the salt to taste.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the milk and water; set aside.
7
For the bechamel sauce, melt the margarine in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.
8
Gradually pour in the milk and water mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the mashed potatoes, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
9
Grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Layer 2/3 of the cooked noodles on the bottom of the dish.
10
Spread the meat sauce evenly over the noodles, followed by the remaining noodles. Pour the bechamel sauce over the top, ensuring an even coating. Do not stir.
11
Sprinkle the bechamel with additional kefalotiri cheese and a beaten egg for extra richness.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13
Once baked, allow the pasticio to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the flavors of the Greek islands!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Greek Island Pastizio Delight?
It is a traditional Greek baked noodle casserole featuring layers of pasta, savory ground meat with cinnamon and oregano, and a creamy bechamel sauce.
What type of noodles are best for this recipe?
Ziti or Penne Rigate are the recommended noodle types for this dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (356°F).
How long does the Pastizio need to bake?
It should be baked for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What is the primary meat used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of ground beef.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you can experiment with ground lamb for a different traditional Greek flavor.
What spices give the meat sauce its authentic aroma?
A combination of dried oregano and ground cinnamon provides the traditional Greek aromatic profile.
What is Kefalotiri cheese?
Kefalotiri is a hard, salty Greek cheese made from sheep or goat milk, used here for its sharp flavor.
What can I use if I cannot find Kefalotiri cheese?
You can substitute it with other hard, salty cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
How is the bechamel sauce in this recipe unique?
This version incorporates mashed potatoes (or potato powder) into the sauce for added texture and richness.
How do I use potato powder as a substitute?
Mix 2 tablespoons of potato powder with 1 cup of water to substitute for the mashed potatoes.
How should the noodles be cooked?
Noodles should be boiled in salted water until they are al dente and then drained well.
Is wine used in this recipe?
Yes, 100 ml of dry wine is used to deglaze and add flavor to the meat mixture.
Why is cinnamon added to the meat sauce?
Cinnamon is a classic ingredient in Greek savory cooking that adds warmth and depth to meat-based dishes.
What is the correct layering order?
Layer 2/3 of the noodles first, then the meat sauce, then the remaining noodles, and finally the bechamel sauce on top.
Should I mix the layers together before baking?
No, you should pour the bechamel sauce over the top and ensure an even coating without stirring the layers.
How do I achieve a golden brown top?
Sprinkle the top of the bechamel with extra kefalotiri cheese and a beaten egg before placing it in the oven.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow it to cool for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and to let the layers set.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
What food category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized as Macaroni and Cheese, though it is specifically a Greek pasta casserole.
Can I use Penne instead of Ziti?
Yes, Penne Rigate is an excellent substitute for Ziti in this recipe.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing and additional for greasing the dish.
What oil should be used to grease the baking dish?
Use olive oil to grease a large baking dish before layering the ingredients.
What seasonings are in the bechamel?
The bechamel is seasoned with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
What is the purpose of tomato concentrate?
Tomato concentrate is used to add a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor to the meat sauce.
How much milk is needed for the bechamel?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk mixed with 2 cups of water for the sauce base.
Are bread crumbs used in this dish?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs are included in the ingredients for topping and texture.
Does the meat sauce require garlic?
Yes, one minced garlic clove is sautéed with the onions and beef for flavor.
Is the bechamel made with butter or margarine?
This specific recipe uses 3 tablespoons of margarine to create the roux for the bechamel.