Pastitsio Recipe

Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This dish is a favorite among many because of its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. In this recipe, we will walk you through the steps to make a delicious and authentic Pastitsio.

Pastitsio Recipe

Ingredients:

1. - 1 lb penne pasta

2. - 1 lb ground beef

3. - 1 onion, finely chopped

4. - 2 cloves of garlic, minced

5. - 1 can of crushed tomatoes

6. - 1/2 cup red wine

7. - 1 tsp cinnamon

8. - 1 tsp oregano

9. - Salt and pepper to taste

10. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

11. - 4 tbsp butter

12. - 1/4 cup flour

13. - 2 cups milk

14. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

15. - 2 eggs

16. - 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cool slightly, then beat in the eggs.

7. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese.

8. To assemble the Pastitsio, spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, then the remaining pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.

9. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the béchamel sauce.

10. Bake the Pastitsio in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

11. Allow the Pastitsio to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious and hearty Greek dish with a side salad or some crusty bread.

This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends. Serve with a glass of red wine for a truly authentic Greek dining experience.

Hey there! We would love to hear your thoughts on this recipe. Did you give it a try? How did it turn out? Any comments, opinions, or suggestions are more than welcome! Your feedback means a lot to us.