Traditional Greek Pastitsio Recipe

Pastitsio is a beloved Greek dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean comfort food. Often referred to as "Greek lasagna," this hearty casserole features layers of tubular pasta, a rich and aromatic meat sauce infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a velvety béchamel topping.

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Nostos Goods

Pastitsio Recipe

Ingredients 8 Servings

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 750 g ground beef
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp of ARGILOS IV MILD olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 100 ml red wine (optional)
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp of tumeric (optional)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oregano

For the Pasta Layer:

  • 300 g bucatini or thick macaroni
  • 2 eggs
  • 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 100 g butter
  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 liter whole milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 150 g grated Gruyère cheese (or kefalotyri)
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Nostos Goods

Pastitsio Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  • Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
  • Isauté the onions in ARGILOS IV MILD olive oil until translucent.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in red wine (optional), allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  • Add canned tomatoes, bouillon(optional) cubes, cinnamon, sugar, salt, pepper, tumeric (optional) and oregano.
  • Simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes until thickened.

2. Cook the Pasta:

  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
  • Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Mix in beaten eggs, crumbled feta, salt, and pepper.

3. Make the Béchamel Sauce:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  • Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  • Cook until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks, grated cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the Pastitsio:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • In a greased baking dish, spread the pasta mixture evenly.
  • Layer the meat sauce over the pasta.
  • Pour the béchamel sauce over the meat layer, smoothing the top.
  • Sprinkle additional grated cheese on top.

5. Bake:

  • Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
  • Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Eggs in Pasta: Mixing eggs into the pasta helps bind the layer, making slicing easier.

Béchamel Consistency: Ensure the béchamel is thick but pourable; this creates a creamy top layer.

Resting Time: Allowing the pastitsio to rest after baking helps the layers set, enhancing flavor and presentation.

Nostos Goods

Perfect Match

ARGILOS IV MILD

Incorporating Argilos IV EVOO into your pastitsio not only adds depth to the meat sauce and béchamel but also brings a touch of Greek tradition to your table. Its balanced flavor complements the savory layers of pasta, spiced meat, and creamy sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

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ARGILOS EVOO

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