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Greek Pasticio

Greek Pasticio recipe image
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. It is a staple of Greek home cooking that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 27.8
Dietary: Vegan
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
  • 1 package Pasta; cooked al dente
  • 1 lb Ground beef or lamb
  • 2 large Onions; chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic; chopped
  • 1 can Whole tomatoes; chopped - and liquid drained
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Basil
  • 1 tsp Allspice
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Sugar - to taste
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg
  • 1 to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
Directions
  1. 1
  2. 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. 3
    Add chopped onions and garlic to the meat. Cook until onions are translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4
    Stir in chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. 5
    In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  6. 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. 7
    Spread half the cooked pasta in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the meat sauce over the pasta.
  8. 8
  9. 9
    Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 27.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 5.3g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 1.1g3%

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

Note

Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Substitutions: You can use ground pork or a mix of beef and lamb for the meat. For the pasta, penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work well.

Tip: Ensure the béchamel is thick enough before pouring; if it's too runny, the pasta may become soggy. A drop of lemon juice in the béchamel can enhance the flavor.

Variation: Add a layer of sliced potatoes on top for a heartier version, or mix in spinach for extra greens.

Keywords: greek, pasticio, pasta, bake, lamb, beef, bechamel, casserole, comfort food, spicy, cinnamon, family dinner, comforting, hearty, traditional, meat sauce, cheese, oven, layered, main course
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/greek-pasticio-2/