Greek Pasticio

Servings: 4 servings Difficulty: Intermediate
Creamy béchamel-topped pasta bake with spiced lamb or beef ragù
Greek Pasticio recipe image

Greek Pasticio

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 servings Calories: 450
Dietary:

Description

This traditional Greek Pasticio is a comforting, hearty casserole that layers tender al dente pasta with a rich, aromatic meat sauce and a golden, crispy béchamel topping. The savory filling features ground lamb or beef slowly simmered with onions, garlic, and warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and basil, creating a deep, complex flavor profile. The creamy white sauce, made from butter, flour, and milk, provides a luxurious contrast to the robust meat mixture. Perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or meal prep, this dish reheats beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Add chopped onions and garlic to the meat. Cook until onions are translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in half the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg.
  7. Spread half the cooked pasta in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the meat sauce over the pasta.
  8. Top with the remaining pasta, then pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings


Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 75mg25%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 5g
Protein 25g50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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