Classic Greek Pastitsio Casserole (Printable Version)

Layers of tubular pasta with spiced beef and creamy béchamel baked to golden perfection.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz bucatini or penne pasta
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

→ Beef Sauce

05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1.1 lb ground beef
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - 1/3 cup red wine
12 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Béchamel Sauce

16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
17 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 3 1/3 cups whole milk, warmed
19 - 2 large eggs
20 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
21 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
22 - Salt and white pepper, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Stir in butter, beaten eggs, and grated cheese. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking constantly, until smooth. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove from heat. Whisk eggs separately. Temper eggs by slowly adding a ladle of hot béchamel while whisking, then return mixture to saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half of the pasta in the baking dish. Layer with all beef sauce. Add remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce evenly over top.
08 - Bake for 40-45 minutes until top is golden and set. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Authentic layers of pasta, beef, and creamy béchamel
  • Hearty, comforting family meal for any occasion
02 -
  • Kefalotyri cheese delivers authentic flavor but Parmesan works in a pinch
  • Always verify labels to avoid potential allergens like wheat, dairy, eggs, and rennet
03 -
  • Let pastitsio rest after baking for cleaner slices
  • Pair with a fresh Greek salad and red wine for a balanced meal
Return