Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that is perfect for any occasion. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with layers of pasta, ground lamb and sausage, béchamel sauce, and cheese. The result is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Pastitsio can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It can also be frozen, so you can have a delicious meal on hand whenever you need it. With its rich flavor and easy preparation, pastitsio is a must-try for any lover of Greek cuisine.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PASTITSIO
Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian
Categories main-dish
Time 1h25m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add the pepper flakes, garlic, herbes de provence and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the four-spice powder. Add the lamb, raise the heat to medium high and let cook, breaking up any chunks, until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until reduced slightly. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover and simmer until thick, about 45 minutes.
- To make the bechamel sauce, bring the milk to a simmer in a medium pot set over medium heat. Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the butter and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk the warm milk into the flour mixture. Add the remaining 2 pinches four-spice powder and cook for 5 minutes at a simmer, whisking often, until thickened. Remove from the heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Whisking constantly, slowly pour a quarter of the milk mixture into the eggs. Whisk the egg mixture back into the pot. Whisk in 1 cup of the cheese. Fold in the yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and combine with the lamb sauce. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a large baking dish and top with the bechamel sauce and the remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake until the top is caramelized, about 45 minutes. Garnish with the parsley.
PASTITSIO
Pastitsio is a layered Greek casserole of macaroni and seasoned ground lamb, topped with a thick cream sauce. This version substitutes beef in place of the lamb to suit American tastes.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Time 6h10m
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, and cook until crumbly and no longer pink. Pour in the water and tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon; cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, adjust salt to taste, then refrigerate until cold. Once cold, remove any congealed fat, and thoroughly mix with 2 beaten eggs, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, and rinse under cold water to cool. Mix the macaroni in 2 beaten eggs until well coated.
- Evenly spread half of the macaroni mixture into a 11x14x2 inch baking pan, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan cheese, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Spread the meat mixture overtop, then finish with the remaining macaroni. Sprinkle the macaroni with another 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted butter.
- Whisk together 4 beaten eggs with the half-and-half, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, flour, and salt; whisk until well blended. Pour the cream mixture evenly over top of the pastitsio, and sprinkle with nutmeg.
- Cover the pan with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake until the top has turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 429.9 calories, Carbohydrate 27.8 g, Cholesterol 179.8 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 27.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 689.7 mg, Sugar 2.9 g
CLASSIC PASTITSIO
A perfect serving of this baked-pasta dish needs to have the right ratio of bechamel topping to lamb-and-pasta filling.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Lamb Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Make the sauce: In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add lamb, salt, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, breaking lamb into pieces, until it is no longer pink. Add wine, and cook until liquid is almost evaporated. Stir in tomato paste, bay leaves, and 2 cups water. Cover, and let simmer 30 minutes, skimming the fat occasionally. Remove from heat, and set aside, covered.
- Make the bechamel: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. When butter is bubbling, add flour and baking powder. Cook, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, for 1 minute. While whisking, slowly pour in milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick. Remove pan from heat, and stir in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Set aside, covered, until ready to assemble.
- To assemble: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch glass or other ovenproof baking dish; set aside. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta; cook until very al dente, 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a colander; drain well. Stir noodles into meat mixture. Pour meat-and-pasta mixture into prepared pan. Spread bechamel over the mixture, and bake until top is set and golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.Note: Photograph by Maria Robledo
MOROCCAN-SPICED PASTITSIO WITH LAMB AND FETA
Provided by Rozanne Gold
Categories Lamb Pasta Bake Sauté Low Cal Dinner Buffet Casserole/Gratin Feta Potluck Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Diabetes-Friendly
Yield Makes 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add lamb; cook until brown, breaking into small pieces, about 8 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juice, mint, ras-el-hanout, tomato paste, 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin, and cinnamon. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until lamb mixture is thick, stirring often, 15 to 18 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring 2 cups milk to simmer in medium saucepan. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until roux is pale golden, whisking often, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add warm milk to roux, whisking until sauce is smooth. Whisk 1 cup milk and 3 egg yolks in medium bowl; whisk into sauce. Whisk in feta and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Bring sauce to boil, whisking often. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until slightly thickened, mashing with potato masher to break up cheese, about 5 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm over low heat, whisking often, before using.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter deep 14-cup baking dish. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; return to same pot. Mix 2 tablespoons butter into pasta. Add egg whites and 1/4 cup Parmesan; stir to blend.
- Spread 4 cups pasta in dish. Spread lamb mixture over. Top with remaining pasta. Spoon sauce over; sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Place dish on rimmed baking sheet. Bake pastitsio until heated through, about 40 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes.
MOROCCAN-SPICED PASTITSIO WITH LAMB AND FETA
DH and I enjoyed this nice twist on pastitsio last night for dinner. It gave me a good excuse to use up some of my ras-el-hanout spice that I have in abundance. I liked that there was very little prep involved in this recipe. I got it from the March 2011 issue of "Bon Appetit." Prep time does not include resting time.
Provided by Dr. Jenny
Categories Penne
Time 1h35m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute until onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Add lamb; cook until brown, breaking into small pieces, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes with juice, mint, ras-el-hanout, tomato paste, 2 1/2 tsp cumin, and cinnamon. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until lamb mixture is thick, stirring often, 15 to 18 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring 2 cups milk to simmer in medium saucepan. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm. Melt 6 Tb butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until roux is pale golden, whisking often, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add warm milk to roux, whisking until sauce is smooth.
- Whisk 1 cup milk and 3 egg yolks in medium bowl; whisk into sauce. Whisk in feta and 1/2 tsp cumin. Bring sauce to boil, whisking often. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until slightly thickened, mashing with potato masher to break up cheese, about 5 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm over low heat, whisking often, before using.
- Preheat oven to 400°F Butter deep 14-cup (we used 9x13") baking dish. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; return to same pot. Mix 2 Tb butter into pasta. Add egg whites and 1/4 cup Parmesan; stir to blend.
- Spread 4 cups pasta in dish. Spread lamb mixture over. Top with remaining pasta. Spoon sauce over; sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Place dish on rimmed baking sheet. Bake pastitsio until heated through, about 40 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 582.2, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 16.4, Cholesterol 141.2, Sodium 491, Carbohydrate 48.3, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 8.7, Protein 23.9
PASTITSIO
This is the ultimate Greek comfort food, a hearty casserole of cinnamon-spiked ground lamb baked with penne and a Parmesan cheese sauce.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Lamb Recipes
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta, and drain; reserve. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, cook lamb, breaking apart pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a colander; drain fat, and discard. Return lamb to pan; add wine. Cook over medium heat until almost all liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, cinnamon, and 2 cups water; simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make Parmesan cheese sauce while mixture is simmering: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until incorporated, about 30 seconds. In a slow steady stream, whisk in milk until there are no lumps.
- Cook, whisking often, until mixture is thick and bubbly and coats the back of a wooden spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in cayenne, if desired, and Parmesan.
- Add pasta to lamb mixture; transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour sauce over the top, smoothing with the back of a spoon until level. Bake until browned in spots, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool 15 minutes before serving.
LAMB & AUBERGINE PASTITSIO
This cheesy, Greek inspired one-pot stretches out lamb mince with lots of veggies and filling pasta - perfect for cooking on a budget
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 2h10m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onions and cook until softened, then add the garlic and stir around the pan for 1 min more. Scoop the onions to one side of the pan, add the lamb and cook until browned. Pour off any excess oil from the pan.
- Add the spices and oregano, then tip in the aubergine. Fry for another 5 mins until the aubergine has softened a little, then crumble in the stock cube and add the tomatoes, along with half a can of water. Season, cover the pan and simmer for 30 mins.
- Uncover the lamb mince and continue to simmer until the sauce is thick and clinging to the meat - about 15 mins. Meanwhile, make the béchamel sauce. Warm the milk in a large pan with the bay leaves. Melt the butter in another large pan, stir in the flour to make a paste, then add the warm milk, ladle by ladle, stirring well between each addition, until you have a thick, smooth sauce. Season well and add the Parmesan. Meanwhile, cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain.
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Tip the mince into a large baking dish. Mix the macaroni into the cheesy sauce and pour this over the lamb. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Can now be frozen, defrost before cooking. Bake for 35-40 mins until golden brown and crispy on top. Leave to cool for 5 mins before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 750 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 16 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 77 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 17 grams sugar, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium
PASTITSIO
Adapted from Ina Garten. A Greek version of lasagne, this dish combines ground meat (beef and lamb) and pasta with a white sauce, tomatoes and spices. Adjust the amount of cinnamon based on the strength of your supply.
Provided by DrGaellon
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 2h20m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and saute until soft, 5 minutes. Add meats and saute until no longer pink, about 10 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with the edge of a spoon. Add wine and cook 2 minutes to boil off some of the alcohol. Add garlic, cinnamon, oregano and thyme; cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes (with their juices), salt and pepper; bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk and cream. Heat to a bare simmer over medium-low heat.
- In another saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook until pasty flavor is gone but roux is still pale, 2-3 minutes. Whisking constantly, add hot milk/cream. Cook 5 minutes, still whisking constantly, until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and add nutmeg, salt, white pepper, half the Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of meat sauce. Set aside to cool 10 minutes. Beat eggs lightly, then whisk yogurt into eggs. Whisk this mixture into cooled white sauce.
- Cook and drain pasta according to package directions.
- Combine pasta with meat sauce and pour into a large casserole dish. Pour white sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle evenly with remaining Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, in preheated oven for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes before serving. (Tastes even better the second day when the flavors have time to meld; reheat from room temperature in 350F oven for 15-20 minutes.).
LAMB SAUSAGE PASTA
This hearty pasta dish made with fresh lamb sausage, rigatoni pasta and tomato basil sauce is ready to dig into in only 20 minutes.
Provided by Inspired Taste
Categories Entree
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat stockpot of salted water to boiling. Add pasta; cook as directed on package.
- In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage; cook about 10 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and no longer pink (160°F). Remove sausage from skillet to plate.
- In same skillet, heat pasta sauce to a simmer, scraping bottom of skillet to lift brown pieces leftover from cooking sausage.
- Add 1/4 cup pasta water and the drained cooked pasta; toss. Cook 1 minute. Transfer to large serving platter. Top with sausage, cheese and basil.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Brown the ground beef and sausage thoroughly to develop flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Use a good quality béchamel sauce; it should be smooth and creamy.
- Layer the pastitsio in a deep baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the pastitsio until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the pastitsio cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Pastitsio is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your pastitsio with ground beef, sausage, or both, you are sure to enjoy this classic Greek dish.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love