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Authentic Pastitsio

Pastitsio is a beloved Greek dish featuring layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 cups béchamel sauce homemade for best flavor
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by the meat sauce, and then the remaining pasta.
  2. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese if using.
  3. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  4. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Make this dish a day in advance and bake it right before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.