Traditional Greek Pastitsio

Indulge in the comforting layers of *Traditional Greek Pastitsio*, a classic baked pasta dish that’s rich in Mediterranean flavor. This hearty recipe combines tender penne pasta with a savory meat sauce made from a blend of ground beef and lamb simmered in red wine, tomatoes, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a velvety béchamel sauce infused with Parmesan and nutmeg, each bite delivers a creamy, cheesy finish that perfectly balances the robust meatiness. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this authentic Greek casserole recipe is ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Serve it alongside a crisp Greek salad or warm crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground lamb
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14-ounce can canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup red wine
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef and lamb. Cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Step 6

Beat the eggs, and stir them into the pasta along with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 9

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese, grated nutmeg, and salt.

Step 10

To assemble, spread half of the pasta in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer with the meat sauce, then top with the remaining pasta.

Step 11

Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top layer of pasta.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Let the pastitsio rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into portions and serving. Enjoy your meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2878.4 grams (2878.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5403

Total Fat 279.80g	359%
Saturated Fat 119.70g	599%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.60g
Cholesterol 1195mg	398%
Sodium 7043mg	306%
Total Carbohydrate 441.30g	160%
Dietary Fiber 29.60g	106%
Total Sugars 63.50g
Protein 269.60g	539%

Vitamin D 441IU	2207%
Calcium 2174mg	167%
Iron 39mg	214%
Potassium 5859mg	125%

*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: 47.0%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 32.9%