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Pastitsio

Pastitsio is a hearty Greek casserole that combines layers of pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, making it a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 640
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound pasta (like bucatini or penne)
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
Béchamel Sauce
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup grated cheese (like Parmesan or Kefalotyri)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
  4. Add the ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in beaten egg and cheese.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a large baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then the meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta and then the béchamel sauce on top.
  2. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish can be meal prepped and stored or frozen for later meals. Adjust ingredients to fit dietary preferences, and feel free to add hidden veggies to the meat sauce for more nutrition.