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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
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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.
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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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