Best 11 Pastitsio I Recipes

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Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese. It's a hearty and flavorful casserole that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. This article provides two delicious pastitsio recipes: a traditional version and a vegetarian version.

The traditional pastitsio recipe uses ground beef and lamb, while the vegetarian version uses a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts. Both recipes are easy to follow and use simple ingredients that are readily available. The article also includes a step-by-step guide with photos to help you make the perfect pastitsio.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

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.

PASTITSIO



Pastitsio image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
1 1/2 teaspoons plus 2 pinches four-spice powder (quatre epices)
2 pounds ground lamb shoulder
1/2 cup white wine
One 28-ounce can tomatoes, pureed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 egg yolks, at room temperature
2 cups grated Pecorino Romano
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1 pound ziti pasta
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, minced

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add the pepper flakes, garlic, herbes de provence and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the four-spice powder. Add the lamb, raise the heat to medium high and let cook, breaking up any chunks, until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until reduced slightly. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover and simmer until thick, about 45 minutes.
  • To make the bechamel sauce, bring the milk to a simmer in a medium pot set over medium heat. Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the butter and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk the warm milk into the flour mixture. Add the remaining 2 pinches four-spice powder and cook for 5 minutes at a simmer, whisking often, until thickened. Remove from the heat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Whisking constantly, slowly pour a quarter of the milk mixture into the eggs. Whisk the egg mixture back into the pot. Whisk in 1 cup of the cheese. Fold in the yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and combine with the lamb sauce. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a large baking dish and top with the bechamel sauce and the remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake until the top is caramelized, about 45 minutes. Garnish with the parsley.

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

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

PASTITSIO



Pastitsio image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
Freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
3 to 4 whole cloves
2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
Salt
1/2 cup peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 tablespoon margarine, melted
1 pound ziti, cooked
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for topping
Bechamel Sauce, recipe follows
1 quart milk
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, onion, garlic, black pepper, to taste, the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cloves and saute for a few minutes. Add the ground beef, stirring continuously, until all the meat is cooked and browned. Stir in salt, to taste, fresh tomato and tomato puree. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and the whole cloves.
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Brush a large casserole dish generously with melted margarine. Add the cooked ziti, beaten egg, cheese and the meat mixture. Mix until well combined. Top with Bechamel Sauce and sprinkle with more grated Parmigiano. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven and serve.
  • Heat the milk in medium saucepan over low heat. In separate medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine, then add the flour and mix well. Stir in the heated milk, beaten eggs, cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg, to taste. Whisk until thickened. Keep warm until ready to use.

PASTITSIO



PASTITSIO image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h10m

Yield 20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 pound butter, plus 1/4 pound butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
1 onion, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
1 (12-ounces) can tomatoes
1 (12-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pound ziti rigate or penne
3 cups grated pecorino Romano
3/4 cup flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
5 eggs

Steps:

  • In a hot pan melt 4 ounces of butter, add ground chuck, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, bay leaf, and cinnamon and cook over medium flame for about 35 minutes.
  • Cook macaroni in boiling water, strain and put back in pot to keep warm.
  • Place a 1/4 of the grated cheese in a 11 by 14-inch pan, and then a layer with 1/3 of the pasta. Continue until both ingredients are used up. Spread on the meat sauce.
  • Mix the final layer, the Pastitsio Crema by mixing 4 ounces of melted, cooled butter and 3/4 cup of flour. Heat 3 1/2 cups of milk and pour a little over flour and butter mixture then pour the rest of the mixture into the milk. Add 5 beaten eggs and stir thoroughly over medium flame until mixture thickens. Pour the crema on top of the meat sauce and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour or until brown. Cool for 1 hour before cutting.

PASTITSIO



Pastitsio image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Kosher salt
1 pound ziti
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a combination)
1 onion, chopped
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 15 -ounce can tomato sauce
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese (about 6 ounces)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups plain 2 percent Greek yogurt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Meanwhile, make the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cinnamon and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 more minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and wine and cook until the wine starts to evaporate, about 2 more minutes. Add the tomato sauce, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parsley and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs and remove from the heat.
  • When the pasta is done, drain and return to the pot off the heat; stir in the butter, then the beaten eggs and 1 cup cheese until the pasta is coated.
  • Brush the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread half of the pasta in the dish, then top with the meat filling and the remaining pasta.
  • Make the bechamel: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, 1 minute. (Do not let the flour brown.) Whisk in the yogurt and 3/4 cup water and gently simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 5 more minutes. (Do not let the mixture boil.) Remove from the heat and whisk in the eggs, nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • Pour the bechamel evenly over the pasta in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese and 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs and bake until golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

PASTITSIO



Pastitsio image

Guests always seem to gobble up this authentic Greek beef and pasta casserole. The creamy white sauce is delicious. -Amanda Briggs, Greenfield, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 package (7 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano, pepper and, if desired, cinnamon; heat through., Drain macaroni; place half of macaroni in a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Layer with meat mixture and remaining macaroni. Set aside., Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and remaining salt until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened., Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in remaining cheese. Pour sauce over macaroni., Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 614 calories, Fat 26g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 147mg cholesterol, Sodium 1206mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 38g protein.

PASTITSIO II



Pastitsio II image

Makes a lot and is just incredible. Everyone loves this dish and it is worth the effort.

Provided by ALKHATIB

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Pasta by Shape Recipes     Ziti Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 pound dry ziti pasta
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 dash ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
¼ cup tomato paste
½ cup dry red wine
½ cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Melt butter until golden brown and pour over ziti, add Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss well. Cool briefly. Add eggs and toss again; set aside.
  • To make meat sauce: Gently fry onion and garlic in butter in a skillet until onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Increase heat and add ground beef; stir well. Cook until meat begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, wine, broth, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
  • To make cream sauce: Melt butter in saucepan, stir in flour and cook gently for 2 minutes. Pour in milk all at once and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil gently for 1 minute. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly before stirring in beaten egg. Transfer 1/2 cup of this sauce to the meat sauce.
  • To assemble pastitsio: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon half of the prepared ziti evenly in the bottom and top with meat sauce. Top with remaining ziti. Pour on cream sauce and spread to completely cover ziti. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 575.8 calories, Carbohydrate 45.9 g, Cholesterol 167.7 mg, Fat 31 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 25.7 g, SaturatedFat 16.3 g, Sodium 432.3 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your pastitsio. Look for fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will make your pastitsio mushy.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: This will give your pastitsio a more complex flavor. A good combination is a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses.
  • Don't skimp on the béchamel sauce: The béchamel sauce is what makes pastitsio so rich and creamy. Make sure to use plenty of butter and milk, and cook the sauce until it is thick and smooth.
  • Let the pastitsio rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the sauce. Pastitsio is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

Conclusion:

Pastitsio is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great option for a family meal or a special occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make pastitsio at home. So what are you waiting for? Give this classic Greek dish a try today!

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