Pastitsio Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Meat, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven, Easy
Description: Pastitsio, a classic Greek comfort food, is a hearty dish that only gets better with time. Its layers of pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce meld together to create a flavor sensation that improves with each passing day. Reheating is simple; just pop it in the oven for a quick warm-up, and you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal again. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely gatherings, Pastitsio is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound macaroni
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Romano cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 clove
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 5202.1
- Fat: 269.9g
- Saturated Fat: 146.6g
- Cholesterol: 1449.2mg
- Sodium: 7020.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 419g
- Fiber: 18.9g
- Sugar: 23.1g
- Protein: 264.9g
Recipe Yield: 1 13×9 pan
Recipe Instructions:
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Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
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In a large skillet, sauté the onion in a little butter until golden brown. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper to taste, spices, and tomato paste to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
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To prepare the sauce, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Add the flour and stir until well combined. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
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Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the stove. Stir in the Romano cheese until melted. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then gradually add them to the white sauce, a little at a time, stirring constantly.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 baking pan with vegetable cooking spray.
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Spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Next, layer the cooked meat mixture over the macaroni, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
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Top the meat layer with the remaining cooked macaroni, spreading it out evenly. Finally, pour the prepared white sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the entire dish.
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Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Once cooked, remove the Pastitsio from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious Greek comfort food with family and friends!
Chef’s Tips:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating additional herbs and spices into the meat mixture, such as oregano, thyme, or parsley.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein, such as lentils or tofu.
- Pastitsio can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven for a quick and convenient meal option.
- Serve Pastitsio with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Pastitsio is a beloved Greek dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, its layers of flavorful pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce are sure to impress. Plus, with its simple preparation and the option to make ahead of time, it’s a convenient dish for busy households. Give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of Pastitsio for yourself!
