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If you're craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of Greek cuisine with a touch of home-cooked love, this Pastitsio Casserole is your answer. Imagine layers of penne pasta, rich ground beef sauce, and creamy béchamel all baked to golden perfection. It's a family favorite that brings everyone to the table, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. Let's dive into this deliciousness!
The name of the recipe: Pastitsio Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500 g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg and beaten eggs.
- In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, then the meat sauce, and the remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
What You Will Need to Make This Dish
What you will need to make Pastitsio Casserole
- Penne pasta: Provides the base, soaking up flavors and adding texture to the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps prevent pasta from sticking together.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Enhances flavor with a nutty, salty taste, and helps bind the pasta.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein, making the dish filling.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the savory elements.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic, pungent flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and sweetness, creating a rich, flavorful base.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a unique, subtle sweetness to the meat sauce.
- Butter: Forms the base of the béchamel, adding richness and smoothness.
- Flour: Thickens the béchamel sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
- Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth béchamel sauce, balancing the dish.
- Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the béchamel.
- Eggs: Helps thicken the béchamel and adds richness.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Pastitsio Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Boil pasta until al dente, ensuring it doesn't overcook.
- Skillet: Brown ground beef and sauté onions and garlic for the meat sauce.
- Saucepan: Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk.
- Whisk: Blend ingredients smoothly for the béchamel sauce, preventing lumps.
- Baking dish: Layer pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce, then bake to golden perfection.
- Oven: Bake the assembled casserole, ensuring even cooking and a golden top.
Pastitsio Casserole Recipe
A hearty Greek casserole with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel.
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Ingredients:
Pasta Layer
- 500 g Penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 500 g Ground beef
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 400 g Tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Béchamel Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 4 tbsp Flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 2 Eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg and beaten eggs.
- In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, then the meat sauce, and the remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes:
For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves to the meat sauce.
Read more: Cowboy Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 5mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole without baking.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes until heated through.
Using cinnamon in the meat sauce gives Pastitsio its unique flavor, a nod to its Greek roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How do I prevent the béchamel sauce from curdling?
Make sure to remove the sauce from heat before adding the beaten eggs, and whisk constantly to combine.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with ziti or rigatoni.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, lamb, or a meatless alternative works well as substitutes.
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