Best 2 Beef Pastitsio Recipes
Embark on a culinary journey to Greece with pastitsio, a delectable dish that harmoniously blends rich flavors and textures. This classic casserole features layers of succulent ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce, velvety béchamel, and tender pasta, topped with a golden crust of grated cheese. Pastitsio is a symphony of flavors, where the hearty beef filling, aromatic sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese come together in perfect harmony. It's a dish that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine, combining simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. Our collection of pastitsio recipes offers a range of variations, from the traditional Greek recipe to modern interpretations with a twist. Whether you prefer a classic or a contemporary approach, you'll find a recipe that suits your taste and skill level.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BEEF PASTITSIO
A Greek take on a meaty Italian lasagna, this baked pasta dinner balances warm, fragrant flavors like nutmeg and cinnamon with a creamy béchamel and cheese topping that bubbles and crisps in the oven.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Time 2h30m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until cooked through and browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al-dente, about 2 minutes less than box instructions. Drain; set aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and beginning to smell nutty, about 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, then cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat; whisk in nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Stir in egg yolk to combine.
- Arrange pasta in an even layer in bottom of dish. Spoon meat sauce over pasta. Spoon béchamel over meat sauce; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake until top is golden and set, and mixture is bubbling in the center, about 45 minutes. Let stand at least 30 minutes before serving.
BEEF PASTITSIO
This is a family favorite-I got the recipe from my mother, and my kids love it. It reheats beautifully, too-when we do have any leftover, that is!-Sharon Drys, Shelburne, Ontario
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, oregano, pepper and garlic. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. , Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse. , In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, cheese and egg; set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese and salt. , Spoon half of the macaroni mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spread with meat mixture; top with remaining macaroni mixture. Pour cheese mixture over top. , Bake at 350°, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 674mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
Tips:
- Use a variety of ground beef. A combination of ground chuck and ground sirloin makes for a flavorful and juicy filling.
- Don't overcook the beef. Cook it just until it is browned, then remove it from the heat. This will help to keep it moist and tender.
- Use a good quality pasta sauce. A homemade sauce is always best, but if you're short on time, a store-bought sauce can work well too.
- Layer the pastitsio correctly. Start with a layer of pasta, then add the beef filling, then the béchamel sauce. Repeat this process until all of the ingredients have been used.
- Bake the pastitsio until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will usually take about 30 minutes.
- Let the pastitsio cool slightly before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to slice.
Conclusion:
This pastitsio recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve it with a side of salad or vegetables for a complete meal.
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