Recipe: Appetizing Greek Pastitsio

Greek Pastitsio. It's a Greek version of lasagna- characterized by a white and creamy bechamel sauce used in place of marinara and a hint of cinnamon. An authentic Greek Lasagna dish to recreate this traditional delight just like my grandma used to make it! So go ahead, indulge yourself to this little sin.

When I think about a dinner-party, this Greek comfort pasta bake is always part of the menu. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, spicy note to noodles covered in a creamy Parmesan bechamel. This dish is widely popular in Greek cuisine but I knew nothing. You can cook Greek Pastitsio using 32 ingredients and 10 steps. Here is how you achieve that.

Ingredients of Greek Pastitsio

1. It's of Main Ingredients.
2. It's 2 tbsp of margarine, melted.
3. It's 2 large of onion, chopped.
4. It's 3 large of carrots, peeled & finely chopped.
5. Prepare 3 stick of celery, finely chopped.
6. It's 4 clove of crushed fresh garlic.
7. Prepare 2 of bay leaves.
8. It's 2 can of chopped tomatoes.
9. Prepare 2 tbsp of tomato paste.
10. You need 1 1/2 cup of beef stock.
11. Prepare 1 tbsp of oregano.
12. You need 1 tsp of ground nutmeg.
13. You need 1 tsp of ground cloves.
14. It's 1 tsp of ground cumin.
15. It's 2 tsp of sugar.
16. It's of Freshly ground black pepper.
17. It's of Salt.
18. You need 2 lb of ground beef (80/20).
19. Prepare of Pasta.
20. You need 1 lb of ziti, cooked.
21. You need 1 of egg, beaten.
22. You need 2 tbsp of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for topping.
23. You need of Bechamel Sauce.
24. It's 1 quart of milk.
25. You need 1 cup of (2 sticks) margarine.
26. You need 1 tsp of ground nutmeg.
27. You need 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
28. You need 1 of Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
29. Prepare 1 tsp of paprika.
30. Prepare 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
31. Prepare 2 of eggs, beaten.
32. You need 2 tbsp of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Not surprisingly, families and taverns all over Greece also make it. In a sense, it's just a. This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content.

Greek Pastitsio instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F..
2. Meat Sauce Directions:.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and saute onion, garlic, carrots, celery until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef, stirring continuously, until all the meat is cooked and browned. Drain and add the tomatoes, paste, beef stock, bay leaves, herbs and sugar and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in salt & pepper to taste. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove the bay leaves..
4. For Pasta:.
5. While the meat mixture is simmering, boil the pasta till al dente..
6. Mix the beaten egg with the parmesan cheese and toss with cooked & drained pasta..
7. For the Bechamel Sauce:.
8. Heat the milk in medium saucepan over low heat. In separate medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine, then add the flour and mix well. Stir in the heated milk one tablespoon at a time, and stir until smooth. Stir in spices & cheese. Season to taste. Keep warm until ready to use..
9. To Assemble dish:.
10. Spray a large casserole dish generously with nonstick spray. Combine pasta with half the Bechamel Sauce. Transfer half of the pasta to baking dish. Spread all the meat sauce over pasta. Cover with remaining pasta. Top with Bechamel Sauce and sprinkle with more grated Parmigiano. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven and let rest about 5 minutes. Serve with salad and crust bread..