Description
Delve into the heart of Greek cuisine with this irresistible Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna). This layered dish features perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a savory spiced beef sauce, highlighted by the subtle sweetness of red grape juice and a hint of cinnamon. Topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that becomes golden and bubbly in the oven, this comforting meal is perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its rich flavors and hearty layers, Pastitsio is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together over a shared love for delicious food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large red onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup red grape juice
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound Pastitsio pasta (or bucatini)
- Béchamel sauce ingredients: ½ cup butter (unsalted), ½ cup all-purpose flour, 4½ cups milk (2%), 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, ¾ cup Kefalotyri Greek cheese (or Parmesan, grated)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef in the skillet, then stir in red grape juice, crushed tomatoes, spices, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Prepare béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, adding milk gradually until thickened, then mixing in grated cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta followed by half of the meat sauce; repeat layers and top with béchamel sauce.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg