Low-Carb Cheesy Greek Pastitsio Casserole

Pastitsio Without the Pasta: A Low-Carb Delight

Description: If you’re on a reduced-carb diet but craving a hearty, comforting dish, this variation of Pastitsio is a perfect fit. This recipe is adapted from a traditional Greek Pastitsio but omits the pasta, making it a lower-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or richness. While this version diverges from the classic, the result is a delightful casserole that’s sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the delicious details of how to make this scrumptious dish!

Category: Meat
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 casserole

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Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 8 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: dried oregano or basil for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • When the beef is nearly done, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Continue to cook until the onions become tender and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, usually about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in your preferred seasonings, salt, pepper, and 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Mix well, then set the meat mixture aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s fully liquid.
   • Add the flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to form a paste. Cook this paste until it becomes thick and bubbly but doesn’t start to brown, which should take about 2 minutes.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
   • Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or basil.

3. Combine and Bake:

   • Pour the prepared sauce into the beef mixture, followed by the crumbled feta cheese. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
   • Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 8” x 8” casserole dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
   • Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

4. Serving:

   • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and make portioning easier. Serve this rich and flavorful dish warm, and enjoy a satisfying, low-carb meal that hits all the right notes!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 3428.6
• Total Fat: 242.7g
• Saturated Fat: 123.5g
• Cholesterol: 1004.2mg
• Sodium: 4453.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 59.6g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 15.1g
• Protein: 241.3g

Notes:

• Adjust the amount of salt and pepper based on your taste preferences.
• Feel free to add other seasonings or herbs to customize the flavor profile.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Enjoy this low-carb twist on a classic favorite, and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this Pastitsio Without the Pasta a standout dish in your culinary repertoire. 🌟🍽️