Savory Greek Pastitsio with Creamy Bechamel
Indulge in this classic Greek comfort dish that layers al dente ziti pasta with a rich, flavorful meat sauce and a velvety bechamel topping. This recipe simplifies traditional pastitsio while enhancing flavor with extra-lean ground beef and aromatic spices. Prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time on busy evenings. Perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests at dinner parties, this pastitsio is a hearty meal that echoes the warmth of Mediterranean cuisine. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a wholesome feast.
8
Servings
437
Calories
27
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked ziti pasta
1 lb
melted butter
1/4 cup
grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
nutmeg
1 pinch
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
large eggs
3, beaten
olive oil
2 tablespoons
butter
1 tablespoon
medium onion, chopped
1
crushed red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons (or to taste)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons
extra lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs
tomato paste
1/3 cup
dry red wine
1/2 cup
beef broth
1 cup
seasoning salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
butter
1/2 cup
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
cayenne pepper
1 pinch
18% table cream or half-and-half cream
3 cups
nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
large egg, slightly beaten
1
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
ground black pepper
to taste
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3
Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix until well combined and allow to cool slightly.
4
Once the pasta mixture has cooled, add the beaten eggs, stirring thoroughly to incorporate.
5
For the meat sauce, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
7
Add the extra lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it into pieces with a spoon or fork. Cook until browned all over.
8
Mix in the tomato paste, dry red wine, beef broth, 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9
Meanwhile, prepare the bechamel sauce by melting 1/2 cup of butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cayenne pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
10
Slowly add the 3 cups of cream and a pinch of nutmeg while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until it thickens.
11
Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before whisking in 1 large beaten egg. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
12
Once the meat sauce is ready, remove about 1/2 cup of the bechamel sauce and mix this into the ground beef mixture to add flavor.
13
To assemble the pastitsio, spoon half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer all of the meat sauce evenly on top, followed by the remaining ziti mixture.
14
Pour the entire bechamel sauce on top, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Finish by sprinkling 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
15
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the pastitsio to rest for approximately 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
19.25g
Fat
40g
Carbs
21.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Greek Pastitsio?
It is a classic Greek comfort dish consisting of layered ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a velvety bechamel topping.
How many servings does this Pastitsio recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked ziti pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many calories are in one serving of Pastitsio?
Each serving contains approximately 437 calories.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The dish features extra lean ground beef and eggs.
How long should the meat sauce simmer?
The meat sauce should simmer on low heat for 45-50 minutes.
What ingredients are needed for the bechamel sauce?
You will need butter, all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, cream, nutmeg, and a beaten egg.
Can I prepare any part of this meal in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time.
What kind of cream should be used for the bechamel?
Use 3 cups of 18% table cream or half-and-half cream.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of extra lean ground beef.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 19.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 40g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 21.25g of protein.
How long does the Pastitsio need to bake?
Bake the dish for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Why should the Pastitsio rest after baking?
Allowing it to rest for 20 minutes makes it easier to slice and serve.
What size baking dish is needed?
Use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Is wine used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of dry red wine is added to the meat sauce.
What type of cheese is used in Pastitsio?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used both in the pasta mixture and as a topping.
How much garlic is included in the meat sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
What spices are used to flavor the meat?
Flavoring comes from crushed red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, and black pepper.
How do you prepare the pasta layer?
Cook the ziti until al dente, then mix with butter, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs.
What is a roux in the context of this recipe?
It is the mixture of melted butter, flour, and cayenne pepper used to thicken the bechamel sauce.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease the baking dish with butter before assembly.
How do I prevent lumps in the bechamel?
Slowly add the cream while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 27 ingredients in total.
Is the meat sauce combined with any of the bechamel?
Yes, 1/2 cup of the finished bechamel is mixed into the meat sauce for added flavor.
What should I serve with Pastitsio?
It is recommended to serve it alongside a fresh salad.
Is there a specific way to layer the dish?
Layer half the ziti, all the meat sauce, the remaining ziti, and then pour the bechamel on top.
What provides the hint of warmth in the sauce?
Nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne pepper provide subtle warmth to the creamy topping.