Description
A delightful layered dish of pasta, ground meat, and creamy béchamel that embodies the flavors of Greek heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (like bucatini or ziti)
- 2 cups béchamel sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they turn soft and fragrant.
- Toss in the ground meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente; then drain it well.
- Create the first layer with half of the pasta in your baking dish, followed by a layer of the meat mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta.
- Pour the béchamel sauce generously over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Dot with butter, then bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the pastitsio cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Letting the dish rest before slicing helps the layers set beautifully. Consider adding vegetables for a nutritional boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg