Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 3
A hearty and flavorful Greek classic: Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)
in Pasta

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 hr

Ready In

1 hr 30 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 large onions , minced
3 tablespoons butter
2 lbs lean ground beef
salt and black pepper , to taste
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumb
2 1/2 cups parmesan cheese , grated
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter , melted
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups warm milk
1 teaspoon nutmeg , ground
8 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
485
Sugar
5g
Fat
24g
Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that is similar to lasagna, but with a unique twist. The cinnamon and nutmeg in the meat sauce add a subtle sweetness that is balanced out by the saltiness of the parmesan cheese. The creamy bechamel sauce on top ties everything together and makes for a decadent and satisfying meal. This dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and is often served at holidays and family gatherings. It is full of warmth and comfort, making it the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly evening.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2.Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain.
3.In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in butter until soft and transluscent, then add ground beef and continue cooking until browned.
4.Add tomato sauce, water, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
5.Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish and cover with half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers.
6.In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually pour in warm milk and continue whisking until mixture thickens. Add nutmeg and remove from heat.
7.In a large bowl, beat eggs and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese together. Gradually whisk in the milk mixture until smooth.
8.Pour the egg mixture over the macaroni and meat layers in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
9.Bake for 45-50 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

PROS

Pastitsio is a satisfying and flavorful comfort food that is perfect for serving to a crowd.
It can be made ahead and reheated, and leftovers freeze well.
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese creates a unique flavor profile that will wow your taste buds.

CONS

Pastitsio is a bit of a labor-intensive dish, requiring multiple steps and some prep work.
It is also a relatively high-calorie and fatty meal, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Pastitsio is not the healthiest meal option out there, it does contain some beneficial nutrients. Lean ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, and the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese add some fiber and calcium. Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and nutmeg has been linked to improved digestion and pain relief.

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