Ingredients
- 1 lb bucatini or ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente; drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef with onion and garlic, then stir in the tomatoes and cinnamon and simmer 15 minutes.
- For the bechamel, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cook until thick; off heat, stir in cheese and egg yolks.
- Layer half the pasta in a baking dish, add the meat sauce, then the remaining pasta.
- Pour the bechamel over the top and smooth it out.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until golden; rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
A Taste of Greece at Home
Pastitsio is Greek comfort food at its finest and a heavyweight in the top 10 Greek recipes – the dish that feeds a
table and earns applause.
Why Pastitsio Earns a Top 10 Greek Recipes Spot
● Comfort on a plate: layered pasta and creamy sauce are pure crowd-pleasers.
● Cinnamon warmth: a Greek signature that sets it apart from Italian bakes.
● Slices clean: a proper rest lets it hold neat, tidy squares.
Secrets to Perfect Pastitsio
● Thick bechamel: it should be spreadable, not pourable, so it sets on top.
● Rest before cutting: 15 minutes keeps the layers intact.
● Undercook the pasta: it finishes cooking in the oven.
FAQ
What pasta is traditional?
Long, hollow bucatini is classic, but ziti or penne work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble a day ahead and bake before serving, adding a few extra minutes.
Serve It With
Serve with a simple green salad, or lighten the meal with our Fettuccine with Walnuts and Parsley for a
vegetarian night.
