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Pastitso 2

Pastitso 2 recipe image
This classic Greek Pastitso is a comforting, layered masterpiece featuring tender macaroni, a rich savory meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping. The dish balances the deep flavors of beef, tomatoes, and wine with the creamy richness of nutmeg-spiked cheese sauce. It is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a substantial, satisfying main course. The texture is best when allowed to rest, allowing the layers to set for clean, square servings that hold together beautifully. A true crowd-pleaser that feels both rustic and elegant.
Cooking Method: , , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8
Calories: 417.1
Description
This classic Greek Pastitso is a comforting, layered masterpiece featuring tender macaroni, a rich savory meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping. The dish balances the deep flavors of beef, tomatoes, and wine with the creamy richness of nutmeg-spiked cheese sauce. It is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a substantial, satisfying main course. The texture is best when allowed to rest, allowing the layers to set for clean, square servings that hold together beautifully. A true crowd-pleaser that feels both rustic and elegant.
Ingredients
  • 500 gram Long macaroni
  • 4 tablespoon Butter
  • 3/4 cup Grated Kefalotyri cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2
    Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until just tender. Drain and return to the pan.
  3. 3
    Melt 4 tablespoons of butter until golden brown and pour over the macaroni.
  4. 4
    Add 1/2 cup of the grated cheese, the nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste to the macaroni; toss well.
  5. 5
    Let the macaroni mixture cool slightly, then add 3 lightly beaten eggs and toss again. Keep aside.
  6. 6
    In a large skillet, gently fry 1 chopped large onion and 1 crushed garlic clove in 2 tablespoons of butter until the onion is soft.
  7. 7
    Increase heat and add 750 grams of ground beef. Stir well and cook until the meat begins to brown.
  8. 8
    Add 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1/2 cup dry red or white wine, 1/2 cup stock, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, salt, and pepper.
  9. 9
    Cover and simmer the meat sauce over gentle heat for 20 minutes.
  10. 10
    In a saucepan, melt 1/3 cup of butter. Stir in 1/2 cup flour and cook gently for 2 minutes.
  11. 11
    Add 3 cups of milk all at once and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  12. 12
    Boil gently for 1 minute. Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  13. 13
    Cool the cream sauce slightly before stirring in 1 lightly beaten egg.
  14. 14
    Add 1/2 cup of the cream sauce to the cooked meat sauce and mix well.
  15. 15
    Butter a 33 x 23 x 8 cm (13 x 9 x 3 inch) oven dish.
  16. 16
    Spoon half of the prepared macaroni evenly into the base of the dish and top with the meat sauce.
  17. 17
    Cover with the remaining macaroni, levelling the top.
  18. 18
    Pour the remaining cream sauce over the macaroni and spread to completely cover.
  19. 19
    Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top.
  20. 20
    Bake in the moderate oven for 50 minutes until golden brown.
  21. 21
    Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 417.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28.7g45%
Saturated Fat 17.2g86%
Cholesterol 71.4mg24%
Sodium 241.0mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 34.1g12%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 8.3g17%

* 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

If Kefalotyri cheese is unavailable, Parmesan may be used instead.

Serves 12 as a first course; 6-8 as a main course.

Ensure the macaroni cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.

Letting the pastitso rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set for easier serving.

Keywords: greek, pastitso, baked pasta, beef, bechamel, casserole, macaroni, comfort food, main course, dinner, cheese, tomato sauce, nutmeg, layered dish, oven baked, traditional, hearty, family style, kefalotyri, parmesan
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pastitso-2/