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Homemade Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) photo

Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

This Pastitsio is a comforting Greek lasagna that layers tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel for a truly indulgent meal!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Béchamel Sauce:
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart whole milk warmed until hot
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
For the Meat Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For the Pasta Layer:
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 to 16 ounces Kasseri or Kefalotiri cheese grated

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet for meat sauce
  • Whisk for béchamel sauce
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch or similar)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula for mixing and spreading

Method
 

Mastering Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna): How-To
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Pasta - Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce - In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, season with ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, then let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce - In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  4. Step 4: Combine Pasta and Eggs - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with 3 beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the Pastitsio - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture as the first layer. Next, layer the meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Follow this with the remaining pasta mixture. Finally, pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle the grated cheese.
  6. Step 6: Bake - Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
  • Incorporate vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the meat sauce for extra nutrients.