My Pastitsio

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with "My Pastitsio," a decadent Greek-inspired baked pasta dish that combines layers of hearty meat sauce, tender ziti or penne, and a velvety béchamel topping. This comforting casserole features a savory blend of ground beef or lamb simmered with red wine, aromatic spices like cinnamon, and rich tomato flavors, all crowned with a creamy, nutmeg-infused béchamel sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is baked to golden perfection for a show-stopping meal that's as satisfying as it is flavorful. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, "My Pastitsio" is a spectacular choice for those craving savory, globally-inspired comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 whole Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound Ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 14 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup Red wine
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 pound Ziti or penne pasta
• 2 whole Eggs
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg, grated

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 5

While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with grated nutmeg and salt to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 9

Spread half the pasta mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Layer the meat sauce on top, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 10

Add the remaining pasta mixture as the next layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 11

Pour the béchamel sauce over the top layer of pasta, spreading it to cover completely.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let the pastitsio rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2632.2 grams (2632.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4837

Total Fat 246.30g	316%
Saturated Fat 105.20g	526%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.80g
Cholesterol 1027mg	342%
Sodium 7405mg	322%
Total Carbohydrate 430.70g	157%
Dietary Fiber 27.40g	98%
Total Sugars 74.00g
Protein 214.50g	429%

Vitamin D 404IU	2021%
Calcium 2231mg	172%
Iron 28mg	155%
Potassium 5110mg	109%

*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: 46.2%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 35.9%