Greek Pastitsio Casserole Classic (Printable)

Layered casserole with pasta, spiced beef, and creamy béchamel baked to a golden finish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz bucatini or penne pasta
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

→ Beef Sauce

05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1.1 lb ground beef
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - 1/3 cup red wine
12 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Béchamel Sauce

16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
17 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 3 1/3 cups whole milk, warmed
19 - 2 large eggs
20 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
21 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
22 - Salt and white pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in butter, beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking constantly, until smooth. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Slowly add a ladle of hot béchamel to the eggs, whisking constantly to temper. Return egg mixture to the saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Layer all meat sauce over pasta. Add remaining pasta on top. Pour béchamel sauce evenly over all layers.
08 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and set. Allow to rest at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty and comforting main dish, perfect for gatherings
  • Rich layers and authentic Greek flavors
02 -
  • Kefalotyri cheese provides authentic flavor but Parmesan is an excellent substitute
  • Allowing pastitsio to rest before serving ensures tidy slices and an even texture
03 -
  • Temper eggs slowly into warm béchamel to prevent curdling
  • For deeper flavor, use half beef and half lamb in the meat sauce
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