Golden Greek Pastitsio: Savory Layers of Ziti, Meat, and Bechamel
Kittencal’s Greek Pastitsio Recipe
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of Greece with Kittencal’s Greek Pastitsio recipe! This classic dish is a savory delight, featuring layers of ziti pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy bechamel sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish can be prepared ahead of time for added convenience. With a blend of spices and cheeses, every bite is bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 pound |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/3 cup |
| Nutmeg | Pinch |
| Seasoning salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1-2 teaspoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry red wine | 1/2 cup |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Cayenne pepper | Pinch |
| Half-and-half cream | 3 cups |
| Egg | 1 |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
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Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the ziti pasta in boiling water with 1 tablespoon of salt until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
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Season Pasta: To the cooked pasta, add melted butter, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, seasoning salt, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until combined, then allow to cool slightly.
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Add Eggs: Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add in the eggs and mix well. Set aside.
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Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Cook Ground Beef: Add extra-lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or fork, and cook until browned.
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Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, dry red wine, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then cover and simmer over low heat for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Make Bechamel Sauce: While the meat sauce is cooking, prepare the bechamel sauce. In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cayenne pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes.
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Add Cream: Gradually add in the half-and-half cream and nutmeg, whisking or stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a boil, then cook for about 1 minute.
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Cool and Add Egg: Allow the bechamel sauce to cool for about 10 minutes before whisking in the egg. Season with salt and black pepper.
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Combine Sauces: Remove about 1/2 cup of the bechamel sauce and mix it into the cooked ground beef mixture.
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Assemble Pastitsio: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with all of the meat sauce, then add the remaining ziti mixture on top.
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Add Bechamel Sauce: Pour all of the bechamel sauce over the ziti mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle about 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve: Allow the Greek Pastitsio to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy the delicious flavors of Greece!
This Greek Pastitsio recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy bechamel topping. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Try it today and savor the taste of the Mediterranean! 🇬🇷🍽️
