Greek Pastitsio (Baked Pasta with Braised Meat Sauce and Béchamel)
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A traditional Greek pasta bake with a delicious meat sauce and a soft béchamel sauce. A must try dish!
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 med. onions, finely chopped
  • 1½ lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 lrg. garlic clove, minced
  • 3 cups crushed plum tomatoes
  • 1 med. cinnamon stick
  • ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
  • ¼ pinch ground allspice
  • 2 med. bay leaves
  • 1½ tsp. salt
  • ¾ tsp. pepper
  • 1 lb. thick, tubular pasta (like bucatini, or penne)
  • 4 oz. Kefalotiri (or Parmesan cheese), grated
  • 4 cups béchamel sauce (recipe follows)
  • 2 lrg. eggs, beaten
Instructions
  1. In a large, deep skillet, or medium saucepan, heat 2 TBSP. of extra-virgin olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the ground meat and continue stirring until the meat begins to brown. Add the garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Next add the tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 35-40 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the meat sauce is thickened (add some water if necessary). Remove the skillet from the heat, and let the meat cool slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick and the bay leaves.
  2. While the meat is simmering, make the béchamel sauce (recipe follows). When done, cool slightly and whisk in the eggs.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Lightly oil a large, deep 14x10 ceramic or glass baking dish and set aside.
  4. Boil the pasta a few minutes before the “al dente” stage. Remove and drain. Toss with a little extra-virgin olive oil, half of the grated cheese and a little of the béchamel.
  5. Spread the pasta on the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with 2 TBSP. of grated cheese. Pour the béchamel over the meat sauce, making sure it is evenly spread over the top of the pan. Sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese.
  6. Bake it for about 30-45 minutes, or until the béchamel thickens and swells and a golden brown crust forms on top.
Recipe by Marilena's Kitchen at https://marilenaskitchen.com/greek-pastitsio-baked-pasta-with-braised-meat-sauce-and-bechamel/