Pastitsio Just Like My Sister's Recipe

Name: Pastitsio Just Like My Sister's
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: Serves 1 or more
Ingredients: Penne; Eggs; 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; Olive Oil; Onions; 1 lb ground beef; Tomato Puree; 6 oz can tomato paste; Beef Stock; Dry White Wine; Ground Cinnamon; Egg; 4 tbsp butter; All Purpose Flour; 3 cups milk; Egg Yolks; Dry Breadcrumbs

Craving authentic Greek Pastitsio? This recipe recreates the irresistible pastitsio my sister makes in Greece! Inspired by her masterful (and secret!) technique, I've perfected a version that captures the incredible flavors and textures of this classic Greek baked pasta dish. Get ready for layers of perfectly spiced meat sauce, tender pasta, creamy béchamel, and a golden-brown cheesy topping. It's a taste of Greece in your own kitchen! This recipe is adapted from *Easy Greek-Style Cookery* to closely match my sister's delicious creation.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 105 mins

Calories 901.9 kcal

Protein 95g

Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)

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Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Pastitsio Just Like My Sister's

Penne
Eggs
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil
Onions
1 lb ground beef
Tomato Puree
6 oz can tomato paste
Beef Stock
Dry White Wine
Ground Cinnamon
Egg
4 tbsp butter
All Purpose Flour
3 cups milk
Egg Yolks
Dry Breadcrumbs

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How to Make Pastitsio Just Like My Sister's

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large pan, brown the ground beef (1 lb) over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the onion (1 medium, chopped), garlic (2 cloves, minced), and oregano (1 tsp) to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes (28 oz can), tomato paste (6 oz can), cinnamon (1/2 tsp), and bay leaf (1). Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the pasta: Cook the bucatini pasta (1 lb) according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter (4 tbsp) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour (4 tbsp) and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk (3 cups) until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated), nutmeg (1/4 tsp), and salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the pastitsio: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce.
Layer half of the cooked bucatini pasta over the meat sauce.
Spread the béchamel sauce evenly over the pasta.
Repeat layers with remaining meat sauce and pasta.
Top with the remaining béchamel sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup).
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.