Ever had one of those meals that instantly transports you to another place? Pastitsio, the classic Greek beef pasta bake, is one such dish. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel, topped with a golden layer of cheese. This comfort food is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, appealing to foodies, home cooks, and Greek cuisine enthusiasts alike.
Jump to:
Pastitsio - Greek Beef Pasta Bake
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Pastitsio - Greek Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g 1 pound ground meat (beef or beef+pork)
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 1 small carrot cut into cubes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup dry red wine
- ½ cup beef stock
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups bechamel sauce
- 1 egg
- 250 g ½ pound dry spaghetti or bucatini
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Grease a 9x13 baking pan with some olive oil.3 tablespoon olive oil
- In a large pan placed over medium heat, heat up olive oil and saute onions and carrots for 7 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute more.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium white onion, 1 small carrot, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- Add ground meat into the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 10 minutes, then pour in some red wine and continue cooking for 5 minutes more.500 g 1 pound ground meat (beef or beef+pork), ½ cup dry red wine
- Season meat with salt, pepper and ground cinnamon. Pour in tomato sauce and beef stock, stir, lower the heat, cover with a lid, then cook, stirring from time to time, for around 20 minutes.½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt and pepper, ½ cup beef stock
- Meanwhile combine feta cheese with egg. Cook pasta for half the time that is listed in the instructions on the package. Drain pasta and mix with cheese and egg.1 egg, ¼ cup feta cheese, 250 g ½ pound dry spaghetti or bucatini
- Carefully layer pasta into a prepared pan, top with meat sauce, bechamel and sprinkle with parmesan.2 cups bechamel sauce, ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g (1 pound) ground meat (beef or beef+pork)
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 small carrot, cut into cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry red wine
- ½ cup beef stock
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups bechamel sauce
- 1 egg
- 250 g (½ pound) dry spaghetti or bucatini
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Grease a 9x13 baking pan with some olive oil.
In a large pan placed over medium heat, het up olive oil and saute onions and carrots for 7 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground meat into the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 10 minutes, then pour in some red wine and continue cooking for 5 minutes more.
Season meat with salt, pepper and ground cinnamon. Pour in tomato sauce and beef stock, stir, lower the heat, cover with a lid, then cook, stirring from time to time, for around 20 minutes.
Meanwhile combine feta cheese with egg. Cook pasta for half the time that is listed in the instructions on the package. Drain pasta and mix with cheese and egg.
Carefully layer pasta into a prepared pan, top with meat sauce, bechamel and sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake for 30 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
While Pastitsio is a star on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some ideas:
Fresh Greek Salad
A crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese is a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Pastitsio. The tangy vinaigrette adds a burst of freshness that balances the dish perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables
Roast an assortment of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The caramelized edges and tender insides make for a delightful pairing that adds both color and nutrition to your plate.
Garlic Bread
Who can resist a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? The crispy exterior and soft interior make it an ideal companion for soaking up any leftover sauce from your Pastitsio.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few expert tips. Here's how to ensure your Pastitsio turns out perfectly every time:
Quality Ingredients
Investing in high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference. Opt for fresh ground meat, ripe tomatoes, and good-quality olive oil. These elements will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
Cooking the Pasta
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for al dente. This ensures it remains firm and doesn’t turn mushy.
Bechamel Sauce
The bechamel sauce should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, it can make the Pastitsio heavy. Achieve the right consistency by adding milk gradually and stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, Pastitsio is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it until heated through and golden on top.
Can I Freeze Pastitsio?
Absolutely. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to get creative. Swap beef for lamb for a more traditional take, or use ground turkey for a lighter version. Adding different cheeses or incorporating vegetables like spinach can also add new dimensions to the dish.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting pasta bakes, you’re in for a treat. Beyond Pastitsio, there are countless other casseroles to explore. Check out some of my favorites that I just can't get enough of:
Leave a Reply