Homemade Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) Recipe

For a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, try this Greek version with spiced meat sauce and creamy bechamel. Opa!

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Pastitsio is a delicious Greek lasagna dish. It features layers of cheesy, tubular pasta and spiced meat sauce topped with a creamy béchamel. Needless to say, it makes for a hearty and flavorful meal. As with all traditional recipes, there are many ways to make it. Here's one version of the dish along with ideas for ingredient substitutions.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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Spiced Meat Sauce

Things You'll Need

  • 2 lbs. ground beef or lamb

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 28 oz. canned tomato sauce

  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste

  • 1 tsp. white sugar

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp. salt

  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

1. Brown the ground beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and onions. Cook until the beef is browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, while breaking it up with a spatula. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Drain the excess grease if desired.

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2. Add the sauce ingredients

Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, bay leaves and spices. Mix well and simmer until thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.

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Greek Béchamel Sauce

Things You'll Need

  • 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 1 tsp. salt

  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

  • 1 cup grated Kefalotyri or Pecorino Romano cheese

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

1. Melt the butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

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2. Whisk the flour and butter

Add the flour. Whisk until thick and lightly golden.

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3. Add the milk

Slowly add the milk, 1/3 at a time, while constantly whisking. Whisk until no lumps remain.

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4. Add the additional ingredients

Add the salt, pepper and grated cheese. Whisk until smooth and melted. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 to 7 minutes.

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5. Beat the eggs

If you haven't already, lightly beat the eggs. Add them to the sauce and stir until combined and thick. Set aside.

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Pasta Layer

Things You'll Need

  • 1 package (500 grams) pastitsio noodles

  • 4 to 5 Tbsp. olive oil

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta

  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

You can substitute the pastitsio noodles with 16 ounces penne, ziti or macaroni. These options will change the appearance of the final dish but not the flavor.

1. Boil the pasta

Bring a pot of water to a boil and then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

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2. Toss the pasta

Drain the pasta. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil and then gently toss to coat the noodles. This will keep the pasta from sticking together.

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3. Add additional ingredients

If you haven't already, lightly beat the eggs. Add the cheese and beaten eggs to the pasta. Gently toss until evenly combined.

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How to Assemble Homemade Pastitsio

Things You'll Need

  • Olive oil

  • Cooked pastitsio noodles

  • Spiced meat sauce

  • Greek béchamel sauce

  • Grated Kefalotyri or Pecorino Romano cheese for garnish

1. Arrange the noodles

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a large casserole dish with olive oil. Place the cooked noodles in the dish, arranging them in the same direction.

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2. Add the meat sauce

Spoon the meat sauce over the noodles. Spread the sauce in an even layer.

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3. Top with béchamel

Pour the béchamel on top. Again, spread the sauce in an even layer. Top with extra grated cheese if desired.

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4. Bake

Bake for 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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