Description
Experience the comforting embrace of Pastitsio, a traditional Greek lasagna that combines layers of tender pasta, a savory spiced meat sauce, and a velvety béchamel topping. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, ensuring warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The harmonious blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it as leftovers, this hearty meal promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup non-alcoholic grape juice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 stick cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup butter (unsalted)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4½ cups milk (2%)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup grated Kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 pound Pastitsio pasta or bucatini
- ½ cup Kefalotyri cheese
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup Kefalotyri cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned. Stir in grape juice and seasonings. Mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes; simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Make the béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and fold in cheese.
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Assemble the dish: Layer half the pasta in a baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce. Repeat layers and top with béchamel mixed with beaten eggs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 482
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg