Pastitso (Macaroni & Meat Casserole)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 2

Greek Pastitso (Macaroni & Meat Casserole) Recipe

by The Chefin Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

1 hr 5 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

655

Sugar

Fat

50g

Pastitso, also known as Greek Macaroni and Meat Casserole, is a traditional Greek dish made with macaroni, ground beef, and a creamy egg custard. It's a staple at family dinners, special occasions, and church gatherings in Greece. Every family has their own recipe, but the most common ingredients are macaroni, ground beef or lamb, cheese, and a custard made with eggs and milk. It's a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect for colder months, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

Instructions

1.	Preheat oven to 350°F
2.	Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside
3.	In a large skillet, brown ground chuck over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
4.	Add salt and pepper to taste.
5.	Add 1 cup melted butter to the skillet and stir to combine.
6.	In a large bowl, whisk together milk and eggs. Add parmesan cheese and mix well until combined.
7.	Carefully fold cooked macaroni into the egg mixture.
8.	Spread half of the macaroni mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9.	Top with the meat mixture. Then, add the remaining macaroni mixture on top of the meat and spread it evenly.
10.	Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

PROS

This classic Greek dish is hearty, filling, and full of flavor.

It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for leftovers.

It’s also versatile and can be customized with different types of meat or even vegetables.

CONS

This dish is high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It’s also time-consuming to make, so plan for some prep time before serving.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish contains protein from the ground chuck and parmesan cheese, which helps build, repair, and maintain muscle tissue.
The macaroni provides carbohydrates for energy, while the milk and eggs add calcium and vitamin D for strong bones. However, due to the high amount of saturated fat and calories, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation.

	1 cup butter , melted and separated
	1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
	1 1/2 lbs elbow macaroni
	salt & pepper
	1 cup butter , melted
	3 cups milk
	9 eggs
	1 lb parmesan cheese