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Golden Greek Pastitsio: Savory Layers of Ziti, Meat, and Bechamel

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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:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Add Eggs: Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add in the eggs and mix well. Set aside.

  6. 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.

  7. Cook Ground Beef: Add extra-lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or fork, and cook until browned.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Combine Sauces: Remove about 1/2 cup of the bechamel sauce and mix it into the cooked ground beef mixture.

  13. 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.

  14. Add Bechamel Sauce: Pour all of the bechamel sauce over the ziti mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.

  15. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle about 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.

  16. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

  17. 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! 🇬🇷🍽️

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