Best 3 Pastitsio Greek Macaroni Recipes

Pastitsio, a traditional Greek dish, is a delectable baked pasta dish that tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavors and unique texture. It's a harmonious blend of seasoned ground meat, béchamel sauce, and pasta, all enveloped in a crispy filo pastry crust. This article presents a collection of pastitsio recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels. From the classic meat-based pastitsio to vegetarian and vegan alternatives, these recipes offer a culinary journey that celebrates the versatility of this iconic Greek dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook seeking to recreate the authentic pastitsio experience or a novice cook eager to embark on a new culinary adventure, this article provides the guidance and inspiration you need to craft this delectable dish in your own kitchen. So, prepare to indulge in the culinary delights of pastitsio as we delve into the diverse recipes that await you.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MAKARONIA PASTITSIO (GREEK CREAMED MACARONI AND CHEESE)

Makaronia Pastitsio (Greek Creamed Macaroni and Cheese) image

Serve hot or serve cold on lettuce leaves. Garnish with paprika, thin slices of lemon and green olives.

Provided by littleturtle

Categories Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 1/2 quarts water
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/8 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups warm milk
2 cups grated romano cheese (fresh grated) or 2 cups grated kefalotiri (fresh grated)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large pot, bring water and salt to a rapid boil; add macaroni.
Stir a few times with a fork; boil macaroni until al dente according to package directions (7-9 minutes).
Drain macaroni well and return to pot.
Mix oregano, garlic powder and flour into melted butter.
Stir butter into pasta, cover, and keep warm.
Beat eggs until frothy.
Add pepper, cinnamon, and milk, and beat until well mixed.
Place half of the macaroni in a 9x12-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Cover macaroni with 1/2 cup of cheese.
Add another layer of macaroni.
Gently pour egg/milk mixture over macaroni, making sure macaroni is well covered.
On top of this add a thick layer of cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until top is bubbly and light brown.

PASTITSIO [GREEK MACARONI PIE]

Pastitsio [Greek Macaroni Pie] image

I found this several years ago in the newspaper. I tried it and it is wonderful. The ingredients meet and melt together and combine flavors that makes it top notch in my book. I hope you like it as much as my family does.

Provided by Zelda Hopkins

Categories Savory Pies

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp oregano, dried
2 c tomato puree
2 Tbsp minced parsley
1/2 lb small elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp cooking oil
freshly ground black pepper
CREAMY TOPPING
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
3 1/2 c milk
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 c parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Saute onion in butter or olive oil in large heavy pan or skillet until soft. Stir in beef and cook until lightly brown.Season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and oregano. Stir in tomato puree and parsley. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Cook macaroni in large kettle of well salted boiling water until tender but still slightly firm. Drain, then rinse in lukewarm water. Mix cooking oil well through macaroni to prevent it from sticking together.
2. CREAMY TOPPING----Melt butter and blend in flour. Stir in milk and cook about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to make a thin white sauce. Dip out 1 cup of hot sauce and pour thin stream into yolks, stirring constantly until well- blended. Pour mixture back into rest of sauce and stir for a few minutes over low heat. Do not allow to boil. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. In greased 9x13 pyrex casserole, put a thin layer of macaroni, a layer of meat sauce, a second layer of macaroni, and a second layer of meat sauce. Pour creamy topping over all. Jiggle the dish so that some sauce runs through all layers. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 15-20 minutes. Cut into large squares and serve from pan.

PASTITSIO - GREEK MACARONI

Pastitsio - Greek Macaroni image

This has such a blend of wonderful spices and is so creamy. My friend gave me this recipe such a long time ago and I make it over and over again. Everyone loves it. I change the pasta's sometimes but it always turns out delicious. It can be frozen as well after cooking and turns out great.

Provided by FrenchBunny

Categories < 4 Hours

Time 1h40m

Yield 6-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

1 cup onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 lbs ground beef
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups light cream
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup swiss cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 lb ziti pasta or 3/4 lb elbow macaroni
3 eggs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup swiss cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/4 cup swiss cheese

Steps:

For Meat Layer.
Saute onions in butter till soft.
Add meat breaking up with spoon & cook till no pink remains.
Drain off fat in a strainer & return meat in pan.
Add remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer uncovered 15 minutes.
For Cream Sauce.
Melt butter in large pot.
Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
Lower heat and add cream and stock till smooth.
Cook stirring constantly till sauce is thick & bubbly.
Stir in cheese,salt and pepper and stir till cheese is melted & blended into sauce.
Remove from heat, cover and set aside.
Cook pasta according to directions on box.
Beat eggs, 1/2 Cup cheese and Soft butter.
Add to pasta, blending well.
Assembly:.
Spoon 1/2 of pasta into buttered 13X9X2 dish.
Pour 1 Cup Sauce over pasta.
Spoon on all of the meat mixture.
Pour another 1 Cup sauce over meat.
Add other 1/2 of pasta.
Pour rest of sauce.
Sprinkle 1/4 C cheese on top.
Bake uncovered 350 F for 35 minutes.

Tips:

Use a wide, shallow baking dish: This will help the pastitsio cook evenly and prevent it from becoming dry.
Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Use a good quality ground beef: The beef should be at least 80% lean, and it should be well-browned before adding it to the sauce.
Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
Use a creamy béchamel sauce: The béchamel sauce should be thick and creamy, and it should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
Top the pastitsio with grated cheese: The cheese will add a golden brown crust to the dish.
Let the pastitsio cool slightly before serving: This will allow it to set and make it easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Pastitsio is a delicious and hearty Greek dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. It is made with a layer of pasta, a layer of ground beef and tomato sauce, and a layer of béchamel sauce. The dish is then topped with grated cheese and baked in the oven until it is golden brown. Pastitsio is a popular dish in Greece, and it is often served at weddings and other celebrations.