Kittencal's Greek Pastitsio

Indulge in the comforting layers of Kittencal’s Greek Pastitsio, a rich and flavorful tribute to traditional Mediterranean cuisine. This dish features a hearty meat sauce infused with warm cinnamon and oregano, perfectly balanced atop layers of tender penne pasta. Crowned with a decadent, velvety béchamel sauce enriched with nutmeg and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole elevates family dinners or special gatherings with its alluring golden topping. With straightforward instructions and a prep time of just 30 minutes, this Greek Pastitsio recipe delivers authentic flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Perfect for serving a crowd, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves classic comfort food with a Mediterranean twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 0.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large egg yolks

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 3

Stir in the cinnamon, oregano, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Step 4

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 6

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 7

Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 8

Stir in the ground nutmeg and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before whisking in the egg yolks.

Step 9

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining half of the pasta on top.

Step 10

Pour the béchamel sauce over the final pasta layer, making sure to spread it evenly to the edges.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 12

Bake the Pastitsio in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 13

Allow the dish to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3460.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5769.1

Total Fat 318.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 139.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 1257.9mg	0%
Sodium 4278.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 483.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.7g	0%
Total Sugars 82.3g
Protein 273.4g	0%

Vitamin D 466.0IU	0%
Calcium 2912.3mg	0%
Iron 37.6mg	0%
Potassium 6463.5mg	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: 48.6%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 32.8%