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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(21-26) of 26 reviews

Reviewed on Dec. 22, 2010 by matteliz@swbell.net

Simple, irresistible taste. The nice thick white sauce on top makes it taste like a jazzed-up mac & cheese. My kids ate it uncomplainingly!

Reviewed on Dec. 20, 2010 by grantacre

Easy to prepare and much easier than lasagna. My family all liked it and said to make it again. It serves closer to 6 people and could easily be doubled for a crowd. You could also change up the spices and cheese for a different flavor. Maybe use cheddar cheese and chili powder and cumin for more of a chili mac flavor.

Reviewed on Dec. 14, 2010 by cookwright

I saw this in the Christmas issue and thought I would give it a try. Followed the directions to a tee except I used asiago cheese , as that is what I had on hand. My husband said it was as good as he had eaten at work. ( He worked for a Greek company) Said they served this over eggplant, so I will definitely try that the next time. We had brussell sprouts. Oh well, did not knowm any different! :)

Reviewed on Dec. 09, 2010 by linsvin

This recipe turned out delicious! 35 minutes to prep, no way. Took 10 minutes waiting for sauce to come to boil, just allow extra time. Brought some to work for my Greek friends to taste, they were totally impressed. To me it's as time consuming as making lasagna but absolutely worth it.

Reviewed on Dec. 03, 2010 by SanityBreak202

Only put in 1/2- 3/4 of the cinnamon called for and you could definately still taste it in the recipe. Kids and husband liked it but next time leave the cinnamon out.

Reviewed on Dec. 01, 2010 by mcutrone

Never had Pastitsio before. so I thought I would try this. It was delicious, and very flavorful. Great recipe!

 
 

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