Dairy-Free Traditional Greek Pastitsio

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Dairy-Free Traditional Greek Pastitsio. This classic Greek casserole features layers of gluten-free pasta, rich spiced meat sauce infused with cinnamon, oregano, and thyme, and a creamy, dairy-free béchamel sauce delicately seasoned with nutmeg. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe swaps traditional dairy ingredients for unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free butter, making it both lactose-intolerant and vegan-friendly (if using a plant-based meat substitute). Topped with optional dairy-free shredded cheese for a golden finish, this hearty dish is baked to perfection and ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 90 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 500 grams Ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 500 grams Gluten-free penne or ziti pasta
• 2 large Eggs
• 3 cups Unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
• 4 tablespoons Dairy-free butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose gluten-free flour
• 0.25 teaspoons Nutmeg
• 1 cup Dairy-free shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 2

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside once done.

Step 4

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5

In a small bowl, beat the eggs and toss them with the cooked pasta to coat evenly. This helps bind the layers together.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 7

To prepare the dairy-free béchamel, heat the dairy-free butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted. Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 8

Gradually whisk in the unsweetened almond milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 9

To assemble, spread half of the pasta evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Add the meat sauce in an even layer, then cover with the remaining pasta.

Step 10

Pour the dairy-free béchamel sauce over the top layer of pasta, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle dairy-free shredded cheese on top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Allow the pastitsio to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2769.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5278.7

Total Fat 294.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 116.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 772mg	0%
Sodium 5834.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 527.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.0g	0%
Total Sugars 34.9g
Protein 155.4g	0%

Vitamin D 382.0IU	0%
Calcium 1968.3mg	0%
Iron 34.5mg	0%
Potassium 4458.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 39.2%