Pastitsio Recipe

Pastitsio Recipe Pastitsio Recipe photo by Taste of Home Rating 5

Guests always seem to gobble up this authentic Greek beef and pasta casserole. The creamy white sauce is delicious.—Amanda Briggs, Greenfield, Wisconsin

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Pastitsio Recipe
  • Prep: 35 min. Bake: 30 min. + standing
  • Yield: 4 Servings
35 30 65

Ingredients

  • 1 package (7 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano, pepper and cinnamon if desired; heat through.
  • Drain macaroni; place half of macaroni in a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Layer with meat mixture and remaining macaroni. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and remaining salt until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in remaining cheese. Pour sauce over macaroni.
  • Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving equals 614 calories, 26 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 147 mg cholesterol, 1,206 mg sodium, 57 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 38 g protein.

Originally published as Pastitsio in Taste of Home December/January 2011, p58

Tip

Parmesan Pointers

When a recipe calls for shredded Parmesan cheese, use the cheese found in bags in the grocery store dairy section. Shredded Parmesan is often used in salads or soups where the shreds make a pretty garnish. If grated Parmesan is called for, use the finely grated cheese sold in containers with shaker/pourer tops. This type works well in lasagna and casseroles. (You can substitute either shredded or grated Parmesan in equal proportions in your favorite recipes.) If you decide to buy a chunk of Parmesan cheese and grate your own, be sure to use the finest section on your grating tool. You can also use a blender or food processor. Simply cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes and process 1 cup of cubes at a time on high until finely grated.

Medium-Bodied Red Wine

Enjoy this recipe with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, Malbec or Zinfandel.

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Reviews for Pastitsio

Pastitsio Recipe

Pastitsio

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(11-20) of 26 reviews

Reviewed on Apr. 03, 2011 by JKC685

I've made this twice now and absolutely love it! I make mine with ground lamb and of course I added the cinnamon..which enhances the flavor of the lamb. This is an easy and very flavorful dish served with a greek salad and crusty bread!

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2011 by mmiracola

this is my favorite! i found this recipe on the magazine and wanted to try it. it is a family favorite and i have made it 5 times now. all i changed was we did 1 1/2 lbs ground beef and doubled the cheese. (we are a family that loves cheese) i love the cinnamon! thats a must! and i use the asiago 3 cheese. PERFECT!! i love to cook so it was fun for me and totally worth it!

Reviewed on Mar. 08, 2011 by agombosky

This is a very easy to follow recipe that results in an excellent dish.

Reviewed on Feb. 15, 2011 by btaylor123

Have made this a couple of times now, and it's becoming a favorite. I always use the cinnamon, and also add just a bit more spice to the meat mixture. I also put some oregano in the white sauce. Really fast to make, and good.

Reviewed on Feb. 02, 2011 by suki2010

I would definitely make this again. The cinnamon was an interesting, and delicious, touch.

Reviewed on Feb. 01, 2011 by Janet Kelsey

Loved this recipe so easy and thought enough seasoning, not too much. Will make again!

Reviewed on Jan. 17, 2011 by ukudla

I am now making this for the second time. The mix of flavors is fabulous. I used half the cinnamon this time; the extra touch is a nice change from other tomato sauce dishes.

Reviewed on Jan. 13, 2011 by ShepMc

I made this last night and my daughter said "This is my favorite Mom you should give it 5 stars" she usually doesn't like any sauce on pasta. I used half the cinnamon too and my husband tasted right away but still liked it.

Reviewed on Jan. 05, 2011 by Lvnglyf73

Great recipe; the whole family enjoyed it. Used the cinnamon and didn't find it overpowering at all. It will be fun to experiment with different cheeses next time too!

Reviewed on Dec. 30, 2010 by RDKM

I have 4 adult children who are so picky that in my house, most left overs get thrown out but this stayed a few days, only because when I made it no one was home, and also with it being different, it seemed they were afraid to try it. Once they saw me eating it, then they "tried it" and before I knew it, it was gone! (I was a little disappointed because I really wanted more!) My pickiest son said it was a definite "make it again" recipe! Thank you for sharing.

 
 

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