My Big Fat Greek Pastitsio

Dive into the rich, comforting layers of "My Big Fat Greek Pastitsio," a traditional Greek baked pasta dish that's a true crowd-pleaser. This Mediterranean masterpiece combines ziti or penne pasta tossed with Parmesan and eggs, a spiced meat sauce infused with cinnamon, allspice, and red wine, and a creamy, velvety béchamel topping. A medley of flavors and textures, it's baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this pastitsio recipe delivers authentic Greek flavors with easy-to-follow instructions. Serve it with a crisp salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of Greece!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, warmed
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• 2 egg yolks
• 0.5 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3

Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Step 5

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow it to cool slightly, then toss with the beaten eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6

To make the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg, egg yolks, and grated cheese until well combined.

Step 9

Layer half of the cooked pasta on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta.

Step 10

Pour the béchamel sauce over the top layer and spread it evenly.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 12

Allow the pastitsio to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2629.6 grams (2629.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4842

Total Fat 232.90g	299%
Saturated Fat 99.80g	499%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 1374mg	458%
Sodium 4997mg	217%
Total Carbohydrate 424.70g	154%
Dietary Fiber 22.80g	81%
Total Sugars 63.70g
Protein 219.50g	439%

Vitamin D 510IU	2548%
Calcium 2445mg	188%
Iron 27mg	147%
Potassium 4224mg	90%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.9%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 36.4%