Best 9 Greek Pasta Casserole Pastichio Recipes

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Indulge in the culinary delight of pastichio, a quintessential Greek pasta casserole that tantalizes taste buds with its delectable layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. This hearty and comforting dish, pronounced "pah-STEE-see-oh," is a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to the heart of Greece. Our comprehensive guide presents three irresistible variations of pastichio: the classic Greek pastichio, a vegetarian delight, and a mouthwatering pastitsio with a twist of sausage. Each recipe is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making pastichio a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by vegetarians, meat lovers, and anyone in between. Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of preparing this iconic Greek casserole, offering step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PASTITSIO (GREEK PASTA BAKE)



Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake) image

Recipe video above. Greece's answer to Italian Lasagna! This traditional Greek dish is made with layers of pasta topped with a rich meat sauce perfumed with a hint of cinnamon and clove, topped with a thick layer of cheese sauce.For the neat layers pictured, arrange the pasta so they're all going in one direction, and rest the baked Pastitsio for 15 minutes before slicing. Excellent for making ahead (keeps for 4 to 5 days in the fridge) and freezes very well!

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Main

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves (, finely minced)
2 red onions (, finely chopped (sub yellow or brown onions))
1 kg / 2 lb beef mince (ground beef)
3/4 cup red wine (, dry (Note 1))
800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomato
2 beef bouillon cubes (, crumbled (stock cubes))
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp white sugar
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cinnamon stick ((or extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder))
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
100g / 7 tbsp butter (, unsalted)
3/4 cup flour (, plain/all purpose)
1 litre / 4 cups milk (, whole/full fat best but low fat ok)
1/8 tsp nutmeg (, preferably freshly grated)
1/2 tsp salt
100g / 3 oz Kefalotyri Greek cheese (sub Parmesan or Romano) (, finely shredded (Note 2))
2 egg yolks ((egg whites are used in the pasta))
400g / 14 oz Pastitsio No. 2 pasta / Greek bucatini ((sub small ziti, penne or normal bucatini, Note 3))
120g / 4 oz feta (, crumbled)
2 egg whites ((yolks used in Béchamel))
75g / 3 oz Kefalotyri Greek cheese (sub parmesan or Romano) (, finely grated (Note 2))

Steps:

  • Heat in a large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 2 - 3 minutes until onion is softened. Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it changes from red to brown.
  • Add wine and and cook until the wine has mostly evaporated - about 3 minutes.
  • Add remaining Meat Sauce ingredients. Stir well, bring to simmer, then reduce heat to medium / medium low so it's simmering gently. Cook for 45 min to 1 hour until liquid is mostly gone, stirring every now and then. It should be a thick mixture with little liquid, not saucy like Spaghetti Bolognese (Note 4).
  • Remove from stove and cool. Preferably to room temperature, otherwise for at least 30 minutes before assembling (lid off).
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
  • While stirring, slowly pour half the milk in. It should turn into a wet paste. Then again, while stirring, pour in remaining milk - the paste should easily dissolve so it's lump-free. If not, just whisk vigorously.
  • Cook, stirring so the base doesn't catch, for 5 minutes or until thick enough so it coats the back of a wooden spoon thickly and you can draw a path across it with your finger.
  • Remove from stove. Stir in nutmeg, cheese and salt.
  • Leave to cool for 5 minutes. Then whisk in egg yolks quickly. Place lid on and set aside. If sauce cools and gets too thick to pour, just reheat on a low stove until pourable.
  • When you're ready to assemble, cook the pasta per packet instructions, minus 1 minute.
  • Drain, then return to the pot. Leave to cool for 3 minutes, then stir through egg whites. Gently stir through crumbled feta.
  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
  • Place pasta in a baking dish (33 x 22 x 7 cm / 9 x 13 x 2.75"), arranging them so they are all going in the same direction as best you can (for visual effect when sliced). Make the surface as level as you can.
  • Top with Meat Sauce, then smooth the surface.
  • Pour over Béchamel Sauce, then sprinkle over the cheese.
  • Bake 30 min or until crust turns golden.
  • Cool for at least 10 minutes so you can cut neat slices with tdhe layers neatly visible. Serve!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597 kcal, Carbohydrate 48 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 28 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 137 mg, Sodium 1062 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

GREEK PASTITSIO RECIPE (GREEK LASAGNA WITH BéCHAMEL)



Greek Pastitsio recipe (Greek Lasagna with Béchamel) image

The Best Greek Pastitsio recipe (Pastichio)! An authentic Greek Lasagna recipe to recreate this traditional delight just like my grandma used to make it.

Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos

Categories     Main

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 23

450g/ 15oz. bucatini pasta, penne or ziti
110g/ 4oz. feta cheese
2 egg whites
900g/ 30oz. lean ground beef
2 medium sized red onions (finely chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
400g/ 14oz. canned chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
150ml/ 5 fl.oz. red wine
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 whole clove
1/4 of a cup olive oil
2 teaspoons sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
120g/ 4.3 oz. plain flour
120g/ 4.3 oz. butter
1000ml/ 34 oz. milk
2 egg yolks
50g/ 1.7oz. Kefalotyri or Parmigiano-Reggiano
a pinch of nutmeg
salt to taste
50g/ 1.7oz. Kefalotyri or Parmigiano-Reggiano to sprinkle

Steps:

  • To prepare this traditional pastitsio recipe (pastichio), start with the meat sauce. Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste and the beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and brown for 4-5 minutes. Pour in the red wine and wait to evaporate. Add the canned tomatoes, the sugar, cinnamon, clove, the bay leaf and season. Bring to the boil, turn the heat down and simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes, until most of the juices have evaporated. (After the meat is cooked, discard the bay leaf, the clove and the cinnamon)
  • Prepare the bechamel sauce for the pastitsio. Melt the butter in a large pan over low-medium heat. Add the flour whisking continuously to make a paste. Add warmed milk in small batches, whisking continuously in order to prevent your sauce from getting lumpy. If the sauce still needs to thicken, boil over low heat whilst continuing to stir. Remove the pan from the stove and add the egg yolks, salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg and the grated cheese (50g/ 1.7oz.). Whisk quickly, in order to prevent the eggs from turning an omelette! Season with salt to taste.
  • Cook the pasta for the pastitsio 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions, so that they don't get mushy after turning out of the oven later. Drain the pasta and stir in the egg whites and the feta cheese (smashed with a fork) and mix gently with a spatula.
  • For this pastitsio recipe you will need a large baking dish, approx. 25*35 cm / 10*14 inch. Butter the bottom and sides of a pan and assemble the pastitsio. Layer the pasta, top with the meat sauce and even out. Top the pastitsio with the bechamel sauce and smooth out with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle the pastichio with grated cheese and bake in preheated oven at 180C (350F) Fan for about 40 minutes, until crust turns a light golden brown. Let the pastitsio cool down for a while before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 square, Calories 724kcal, Sugar 11.1g, Sodium 607.6mg, Fat 30.7g, SaturatedFat 14.6g, UnsaturatedFat 14.1g, TransFat 0.2g, Carbohydrate 63.2g, Fiber 3.1g, Protein 44.5g, Cholesterol 169.6mg

PASTITSIO



Pastitsio image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 tablespoons good olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound lean ground lamb
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 large cloves)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan or Kasseri cheese
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
2/3 cup Greek-style yogurt, such as Fage Total
3/4 pound small shells

Steps:

  • For the sauce, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add the beef and lamb, and saute over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until it's no longer pink, crumbling it with the back of wooden spoon. Drain off any excess liquid, add the wine, and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the garlic, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, and cayenne, and continue cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the bechamel, heat the milk and cream together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until simmering. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 2 minutes. Pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the butter and flour mixture, whisking constantly. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and thick. Add the nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Stir in 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of the tomato and meat sauce, and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Stir in the eggs and yogurt and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Don't over-cook because the pasta will later be baked. Drain and set aside.
  • Add the pasta to the meat and tomato sauce, and pour the mixture into a baking dish. Spread the bechamel evenly to cover the pasta and sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake for 1 hour, until golden brown and bubbly. Set aside for 10 minutes and serve hot.

NIKKI'S PERFECT PASTITSIO



Nikki's Perfect Pastitsio image

My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom's.-Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 pounds ground sirloin
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
BECHAMEL SAUCE:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups 2% milk
2 large eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Toss with butter; add grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in tomato sauce, salt and cinnamon; heat through. Spoon over pasta. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened., In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Pour over beef mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese., Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes longer or until golden brown.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Fat 18g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 718mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

GREEK NOODLE CASSEROLE (PASTITSIO)



Greek Noodle Casserole (Pastitsio) image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Kosher salt
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, chopped or smashed
1 pound ground lamb
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
One 26-ounce jar tomato-basil sauce (3 1/4 cups)
1 1/2 packed cups fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 cup milk, at room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
3 cups grated Parmesan (about 6 ounces)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, optional

Steps:

  • Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the noodles until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the lamb, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and mint. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • For the sauce: Simmer the milk and cream over medium heat in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheese and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the yogurt.
  • Add the meat sauce to the pasta and toss well until the noodles are coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Spoon the cheese sauce evenly on top and bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped mint if using, and serve.

PASTITSIO (GREEK BAKED PASTA WITH CINNAMON AND TOMATOES)



Pastitsio (Greek Baked Pasta With Cinnamon and Tomatoes) image

This comforting Greek baked pasta, which bears a striking resemblance to lasagna, derives its name from the Italian word "pasticcio." That translates to English as "a mess," indicating the forgiving, flexible nature of the dish. Many traditional pastitsio recipes call for beef -- which you can certainly use here -- but we use ground lamb for a fresh take on a classic (and many cooks prefer a combination). Because kefalotyri cheese and the long tubular noodles traditionally used in pastitsio can't be found in most American supermarkets, we substituted Parmesan and ziti in their place, but by all means, if you can get your hands on the real things, use them. The noodles and spiced meat sauce are layered in a casserole dish then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. It's project cooking that's perfect for a cold winter's night.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     pastas, main course

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 pounds ground lamb
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
1 pound ziti or penne pasta

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  • Add the lamb, breaking up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon, and cook until the moisture has evaporated and the meat is browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the oregano, thyme and cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes and their juices and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Start the béchamel: In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium. Make the roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low. Whisk the flour into the butter until a smooth, golden paste forms, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk the warmed milk into the roux and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and thick, about 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg and 1 cup cheese, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Once the water boils, cook the pasta according to package instructions until 2 minutes short of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and transfer it to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1/2 cup béchamel and carefully stir in 2 cups meat sauce. Spoon the remaining meat sauce on top, then drizzle evenly with the remaining béchamel. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheese.
  • Place dish on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake until the top is golden and begins to bubble, about 25 to 30 minutes. Allow the pasta to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 809, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 45 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 1044 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams

GREEK PASTA CASSEROLE



Greek Pasta Casserole image

If you like olives, feta, tomatoes and pasta, then you'll love this comfort food! A twist on my baked ziti recipe. Beware that it makes a LOT of food. I usually divide it amongst 2 casserole dishes, cooking one and freezing the other for an easy dinner another night. Enjoy!

Provided by januarybride

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
1 lb browned ground beef
15 ounces ricotta cheese
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
2 (8 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups marinara sauce
12 chopped kalamata olives

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix ricotta, egg, garlic powder, oregano, onion flakes, 4oz feta and mozzarella in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, mix beef, tomatoes, olives, 1.5 cups marinara sauce and pasta.
  • Grease the largest casserole dish you've got. . LOL. . .you can do a 9x13 and a pie plate or two 8x8s, whatever you choose. In each casserole dish, layer pasta mixture, then top with some of the cheese mixture, then more pasta mixture and more cheese mixture.
  • Top with 1/2 cup (or more) marinara sauce and bake for 30-35 min, or until hot& bubbly.

PASTITSIO



Pastitsio image

Pastitsio is a layered Greek casserole of macaroni and seasoned ground lamb, topped with a thick cream sauce. This version substitutes beef in place of the lamb to suit American tastes.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Greek

Time 6h10m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
3 pounds lean ground beef
¾ cup water
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 pound uncooked macaroni
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ cup butter, melted
4 eggs, well beaten
¾ cup half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ground nutmeg to taste

Steps:

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, and cook until crumbly and no longer pink. Pour in the water and tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon; cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, adjust salt to taste, then refrigerate until cold. Once cold, remove any congealed fat, and thoroughly mix with 2 beaten eggs, and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, and rinse under cold water to cool. Mix the macaroni in 2 beaten eggs until well coated.
  • Evenly spread half of the macaroni mixture into a 11x14x2 inch baking pan, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan cheese, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Spread the meat mixture overtop, then finish with the remaining macaroni. Sprinkle the macaroni with another 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted butter.
  • Whisk together 4 beaten eggs with the half-and-half, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, flour, and salt; whisk until well blended. Pour the cream mixture evenly over top of the pastitsio, and sprinkle with nutmeg.
  • Cover the pan with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake until the top has turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 429.9 calories, Carbohydrate 27.8 g, Cholesterol 179.8 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 27.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 689.7 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

GREEK BAKED PASTA (PASTICCIO)



Greek Baked Pasta (Pasticcio) image

Not the more traditional Pasticcio with a ground meat and tomato sauce layer. Never-the-less delicious. Our friend Anna from Greece gave me this recipe. She says she prefers it to the richer traditional Pasticcio. I love them both.

Provided by Marsha Gardner

Categories     Pasta Sides

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 Tbsp butter, unsalted
1/4 c all purpose flour
3 c milk
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
kosher salt
freshly ground white pepper
1 c grated kefalotiri or parmesan cheese
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 lb penne pasta, greek macaroni or farfelle
8 oz ham, diced (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in saucepan and whisk in the flour. When the flour is completely incorporated, gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the milk comes to a boil, simmer for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat.
  • 2. Stir in the nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste and 1/3 of the cheese. Let sauce cool until warm, then stir in the beaten egg yolks. Set aside.
  • 3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta and cook for 2 minutes less that the package instructions say. You want the pasta very al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • 4. Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Grease a 9"x13" baking dish with a little butter.
  • 5. Drain pasta and toss with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Spread half the pasta in the bottom of the baking dish, pour half the bechamel over it, and sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese. If adding ham add a layer of diced ham now.
  • 6. Cover with the rest of the pasta and pour remainder of bechamel, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Bake in the middle of the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp green salad.

Tips:

- To make the perfect pastichio, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh pasta sheets, creamy béchamel sauce, and flavorful minced meat are key. - Don't overcook the pasta sheets. They should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. - For a crispy top layer, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs before baking the pastichio. - Let the pastichio cool slightly before cutting and serving. This will help it hold its shape better.

Conclusion:

Pastichio is a delicious and versatile Greek pasta casserole that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its layers of pasta, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, it's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting family meal or a special dish to impress your guests, pastichio is sure to please. So next time you're in the mood for a delicious and authentic Greek dish, give pastichio a try. You won't be disappointed!

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