Pastitsio Just Like My Sister's

Transport your taste buds to the heart of a Greek kitchen with "Pastitsio Just Like My Sister's," a comforting baked pasta dish that’s rich, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful. This authentic recipe layers tender bucatini or ziti, a spiced meat sauce infused with hints of cinnamon and dry red wine, and a velvety béchamel sauce laced with nutmeg and Parmesan cheese. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, from the creamy, golden topping to the savory meat and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this classic Greek casserole is baked to perfection for ultimate coziness and flavor. Serve it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a meal that feels like a warm embrace. Ready in just 90 minutes, this pastitsio promises to be your newest go-to comfort food obsession!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g pasta (bucatini or ziti)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 500 g ground beef or lamb
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 125 ml dry red wine
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 75 g unsalted butter
• 75 g all-purpose flour
• 750 ml whole milk
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, cook for 2 minutes to develop its flavor, then add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to form a roux, ensuring it doesn't brown.

Step 7

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 8

Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before whisking in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

To assemble the pastitsio, spread half of the cooked pasta in a greased baking dish. Top with the meat sauce and spread evenly. Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the béchamel sauce, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the béchamel.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2928.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4466.3

Total Fat 263.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 120.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 1130.9mg	0%
Sodium 5422.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.6g	0%
Total Sugars 74.3g
Protein 210.2g	0%

Vitamin D 422.3IU	0%
Calcium 2468.5mg	0%
Iron 27.6mg	0%
Potassium 5187.8mg	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: 53.4%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 27.7%