Hearty Greek Pastitsio Bake
Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this Hearty Greek Pastitsio Bake! This rich and satisfying casserole combines layers of tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef or lamb, and a creamy béchamel sauce seasoned with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of Greek culture, this dish evokes memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Although it may create a delightful mess in your kitchen, the scrumptious aromas and flavors that fill the air will make it all worth it. Perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this pastitsio is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. Serve it alongside a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked and drained according to package directions)
lean ground beef or ground lamb (or combination)
1 lb (none)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
sweet unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (none)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (none)
large eggs
3 (beaten)
medium onions
2 (chopped)
unseasoned tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (divided)
milk
2 1/4 cups (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
ground nutmeg
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large nonstick skillet sprayed with nonstick spray, sauté the chopped onions over medium-high heat until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, cooking over medium heat until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the unseasoned tomato sauce and minced garlic, along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and salt to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
5
While the meat sauce is simmering, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until well blended.
6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Return to heat and let simmer on low for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
7
Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
8
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then slowly whisk in a small portion of the warm cream sauce to temper the eggs, followed by a bit more sauce, then the rest until fully combined. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.
9
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish well. Spread the hot cooked macaroni evenly in the bottom of the dish.
10
Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the macaroni and sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon.
11
Pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well covered. Gently shake the pan to settle the layers, but avoid vigorous shaking.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the custard is firm and has no jiggle.
13
Allow the pastitsio to cool for about 10 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld nicely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Greek Pastitsio?
Hearty Greek Pastitsio is a traditional layered casserole featuring pasta, a savory meat sauce seasoned with warm spices, and a creamy, custard-like béchamel topping.
What type of meat is used in this Pastitsio recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of lean ground beef, ground lamb, or a combination of both.
What kind of pasta should I use for Pastitsio?
This version of the recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, cooked and drained according to package directions.
How is the meat sauce flavored?
The meat sauce is flavored with chopped onions, minced garlic, unseasoned tomato sauce, and ground cinnamon.
What spices give Pastitsio its signature Greek flavor?
The signature flavor comes from the combination of ground cinnamon in the meat layer and ground nutmeg in the béchamel sauce.
How do I make the béchamel sauce?
The béchamel is made by whisking flour into melted butter, gradually adding milk to thicken, and then tempering in beaten eggs for a custard-like finish.
What is 'tempering' eggs in this recipe?
Tempering involves slowly whisking a small amount of the warm cream sauce into the beaten eggs before adding them to the main pot to prevent them from scrambling.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A well-greased 9x13-inch casserole dish is required for assembly.
How long does the Pastitsio need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the custard topping is firm and has no jiggle.
How long should I let the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to allow the pastitsio to cool for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the layers set.
Can I use salted butter for the sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends 3 tablespoons of sweet unsalted butter.
How many onions are needed for the base?
You will need 2 medium onions, finely chopped, to sauté with the meat.
Is the tomato sauce used in the recipe seasoned?
No, you should use two 8-ounce cans of unseasoned tomato sauce.
How much milk is required for the topping?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of milk to create the creamy sauce layer.
How do I layer the Pastitsio?
Layer the cooked macaroni at the bottom, follow with the meat sauce and extra cinnamon, and finish with the creamy béchamel sauce on top.
What should I serve with this dish?
A fresh Greek salad is the perfect side dish to complement the rich flavors of the Pastitsio.
How do I know the meat sauce is ready?
The meat sauce should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes after adding the tomato sauce and garlic.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef or lamb to ensure the dish isn't too greasy.
Why do I shake the pan before baking?
Gently shaking the pan helps the layers settle, though you should avoid vigorous shaking to keep the layers distinct.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe uses 3 large eggs, beaten and tempered into the sauce.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients including the pasta, meat, dairy, and spices.
Is this a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, Pastitsio is great for leftovers as the flavors often taste even better the next day.
What tags describe this recipe's style?
It is categorized as Greek comfort food, a savory baked pasta casserole, and a rich family meal.
Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?
Yes, the macaroni should be cooked and drained according to its package directions before being added to the baking dish.
How do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions in a large nonstick skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
When do I add the nutmeg?
A dash of nutmeg should be added to the cream sauce after it has been combined with the tempered eggs.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic for the best flavor, though powder can be used in a pinch.
How much flour is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour mixed with 3 tablespoons of butter.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, this hearty bake is perfect for feeding a crowd or providing multiple family meals.