#Classic Greek Pastitsio Delight
Experience the rich taste of Greece with this delicious Pastitsio recipe! Gorgeously layered with meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and perfectly cooked pasta- this dish is the perfect main course for your family gatherings or a special weekend dinner.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Serves: 8
###Why Make This Recipe
Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that brings together the heartiness of pasta and meat sauce with the indulgent creaminess of bechamel sauce. Perfect for satisfying your cravings or impressing guests at a dinner party.
###How to Make Classic Greek Pastitsio Delight
####Ingredients:
##### Pasta Layer
– 1 lb bucatini or ziti pasta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 beaten egg
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
##### Meat Sauce
– 1 lb ground beef or lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground allspice
– Salt and pepper to taste
##### Bechamel Sauce
– 4 cups milk
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– Salt to taste
– 1 beaten egg
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
####Directions:
1. First, cook the pasta until al dente. After draining, toss it with olive oil, a beaten egg, and Parmesan. Set this aside.
2. Then, prepare the meat sauce. Cook the ground meat in a skillet until it’s browned. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they’re soft. Stir in the tomato sauce, paste, wine, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Allow this to simmer for 15 minutes.
3. For the bechamel sauce, start by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in flour and let it cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring it to a boil. Cook until this has thickened. Then remove it from the heat, and stir in nutmeg, salt, beaten egg, and Parmesan.
4. Start to assemble your Pastitsio. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, first layer half the pasta, followed by all the meat sauce, then the remaining pasta. Pour the bechamel sauce over the top, making sure to smooth it out.
5. Finally, bake your Pastitsio in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
###How to Serve Classic Greek Pastitsio Delight
Serve warm. It’s rich and flavorful on its own but works great with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for the perfect Greek meal.
###How to Store Classic Greek Pastitsio Delight
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven until warmed through.
###Tips to Make Classic Greek Pastitsio Delight
Try to let your meat sauce simmer for a while! The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together. Also, when you’re layering your dish, make sure to evenly distribute the pasta and the sauces to ensure that every bite is a balance of flavors.
###Variations
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat in the sauce with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
###FAQs
1. Can I make Pastitsio ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble your Pastitsio and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. What kind of wine should I use in the meat sauce?
A dry red wine works best. If you’re not a fan of wine, you can also substitute it with beef broth.
3. Can I freeze my Pastitsio?
Absolutely! Just make sure that it is completely cooled before you store it in the freezer.