Pastitsio Greek Lasagna

Transport your taste buds to the heart of the Mediterranean with Pastitsio, the ultimate Greek lasagna. This comforting baked pasta dish layers tender elbow macaroni, a rich and aromatic cinnamon-spiced meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel that's laced with nutmeg and luscious Kefalograviera cheese (or Parmesan for a twist). The combination of flavors and textures, from the golden crust to the creamy interior, creates a meal that’s both hearty and elegant. Perfect for family gatherings or a dinner party, this authentic recipe brings classic Greek flavors to your table in just 2 hours. Indulge in a slice and savor the magic of Greece in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams Elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 500 grams Ground beef
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 liter Milk
• 100 grams Butter
• 100 grams All-purpose flour
• 2 large Egg yolks
• 150 grams Kefalograviera cheese (or Parmesan), grated

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, then add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 5

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Gradually add the milk in a steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.

Step 7

Remove the béchamel from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks and half the grated cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and nutmeg.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 9

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni evenly on the bottom. Spread the meat sauce over the pasta layer.

Step 10

Add the remaining macaroni on top of the meat sauce, then pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top of the dish.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the béchamel.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 13

Let the pastitsio cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3063.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6053.8

Total Fat 300.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 133.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.2g
Cholesterol 1200.8mg	0%
Sodium 6444.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 565.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.6g	0%
Total Sugars 96.5g
Protein 269.6g	0%

Vitamin D 566.4IU	0%
Calcium 3126.3mg	0%
Iron 39.3mg	0%
Potassium 5094.6mg	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: 44.7%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 37.4%