Save A classic Greek casserole featuring layers of tubular pasta, savory spiced beef, and creamy béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection.
I first tasted Greek pastitsio at a neighborhood gathering, and it instantly captured my heart. Recreating it at home brought wonderful memories to my kitchen and became a favorite Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) bucatini or penne pasta, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 large eggs (beaten), 50 g (1/2 cup) grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
- Beef Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 80 ml (1/3 cup) red wine, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper (to taste)
- Béchamel Sauce: 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, 60 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour, 800 ml (3 1/3 cups) whole milk (warmed), 2 large eggs, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese, salt and white pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Prepare Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and return to pot. Stir in butter, beaten eggs, and 50 g grated cheese. Set aside.
- Make Beef Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking up meat, and cook until browned.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
- Prepare Béchamel:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly, until smooth. Simmer 5–6 minutes until thickened.
- Add Eggs to Béchamel:
- Remove from heat. In a bowl, whisk eggs. Slowly add a ladle of hot béchamel to eggs, whisking to temper, then return egg mixture to the saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt and white pepper.
- Assemble:
- Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Top with all meat sauce. Add remaining pasta. Pour béchamel over the top, smoothing evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and set. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Save This hearty casserole became a staple for our family holidays, with everyone coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. It always brings warmth and tradition to our dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pastitsio with a crisp Greek salad and a glass of robust red wine to balance the richness of the casserole.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs. Cheese may include animal rennet. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.
Leftover Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Save Bring a taste of Greece to your kitchen with this classic comfort dish. Share it with friends and family for a truly memorable meal.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Bucatini or penne pasta are ideal due to their tubular shape, which holds the sauce well during baking.
- → Can ground lamb be used instead of beef?
Yes, substituting ground lamb offers a richer and more traditional flavor typical in some variations.
- → How is the béchamel sauce thickened properly?
Butter and flour are cooked together before gradually whisking in warm milk, then simmered until thickened. Eggs and cheese are tempered in to add richness.
- → What spices enhance the meat sauce?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaf impart warm, aromatic notes that complement the savory tomato and beef mixture.
- → How to achieve the perfect golden top when baking?
Baking at 180°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes ensures the béchamel sauce sets and browns, creating a desirable golden crust.
- → Can Parmesan cheese be substituted for kefalotyri?
Yes, Parmesan is a suitable alternative if kefalotyri is unavailable, providing a similar salty, tangy taste.