Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake). You certainly don't have to make it this way, just know that the pasta dish will be more "loose" and will. Lightened up, yet delectable and flavor-packed baked pasta with Greek-spiced meat sauce and a golden bechamel Today, we are talking comfort food, Greek style. It's ideal for a delicious Sunday dinner You may also know it as Greek pasta bake, and you know that this is the food to serve whenever you want your loved ones to sit around the table and.
It wasn't until I researched the recipe further that I learned its real Greek origins.
Ten years ago I was researching pasta bake recipes for a friend who was about to give birth when I came across a list of pasta bakes from around the world.
Come to think of it, I think the whole family likes it.
You can have Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake) using 18 ingredients and 13 steps. Here is how you achieve it.
Ingredients of Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake)
- Prepare 2 lb of ground beef or lamb.
- It's 1 large of onion - diced.
- It's 2 clove of garlic - minced.
- Prepare 1 cup of tomato sauce (approx 1 - 8 oz can).
- You need 1/2 cup of dry red wine - I use shiraz.
- You need 1 can of petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can).
- You need 1 tbsp of parsley.
- You need 1 tsp of salt.
- You need 1 tsp of cinnamon.
- You need 1/4 tsp of nutmeg.
- It's 1/4 tsp of pepper.
- Prepare 1 lb of pasta - macaroni or ziti.
- It's 4 of eggs - divided.
- You need 1 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese - divided.
- You need 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- Prepare 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick).
- You need 1 cup of ap flour.
- You need 3 cup of milk.
When I think about a dinner-party, this Greek comfort pasta bake is always part of the menu. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and creamy bechamel sauce go together so well. A delicious Greek recipe made with ziti pasta, ground meat, béchamel sauce cheeses and herbs! This is Greek comfort food at its finest.
Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake) instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° and grease/spray a 13x9 baking dish..
- In a large skillet - brown ground beef and onion. Drain. Add garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes..
- Add in tomato sauce, wine, can of undrained diced tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste - adjust seasoning if desired..
- While meat is simmering - cook pasta. Do not overcook - pasta should be just shy of al dente..
- Drain pasta. Return pasta to pot and mix in olive oil, 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese..
- Now start the bechamel/white sauce. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add in flour and whisk until it's a smooth paste. Cook for a minute or two but do not brown..
- Slowly add in milk and cook for a few minutes, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens..
- Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt, pepper & a bit of nutmeg. Mix in 2 beaten eggs & remaining 1 cup of parmesan cheese. This will be a very thick sauce - if it's too thick to work with you can add a bit more milk..
- Assembly time : ) Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish - make sure bottom is completely covered..
- Evenly spread the entire meat mixture over bottom pasta layer..
- Top meat with remaining pasta..
- Pour the bechamel/sauce on top of noodles. With a spoon spread sauce making sure to get edges and corners. Sauce should be nearly to top of casserole dish - you may have a little leftover..
- Bake for 45 minutes - top will be golden brown. Let rest for 20 minutes before cutting. Enjoy : ).
Some might call it a Greek lasagna or a Greek pasta bake. This comforting Greek baked pasta, which bears a striking resemblance to lasagna, derives its name from the Italian word "pasticcio." That translates to English as "a mess," indicating the forgiving, flexible nature of the dish. The pasta, a tomato based meat sauce and bechamel topping lead some to. A baked Greek pasta with flavorful lamb (or beef) bolognese & nutmeg-infused bechamel. A delicious Greek inspired, baked pasta dish made with penne pasta, lamb bolognese and a béchamel sauce.