Greek Pastitsio
Pastitsio, also known as baked ziti, is a traditional Greek layered meat and pasta dish. There are many variations but typically the bottom layer is some type of tubular pasta, such as bucatini, topped with a layer of ragu (veal, beef or lamb with tomato and spices such as allspice, nutmeg, cloves and/or cinnamon), topped with another layer of pasta, then finally an egg-based custard and/or a bechamel sauce. Pecorino cheese may be used in place of the kefalotyri.
Total Steps
18
Ingredients
14
Tools Needed
4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds tubular pasta
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 1/4 cups chopped onions
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 1/2 cups peeled, chopped plum tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 whole cloves
- sea salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups grated kefalotyri cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- basic béchamel sauce
- Pecorino cheese(optional)
Instructions
Step 1
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until translucent.
Step 2
Add the ground beef to the skillet and continue to stir until it is lightly browned.
Step 3
Add the peeled, chopped plum tomatoes, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, minced garlic, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper to the skillet and stir well to combine.
Step 4
Reduce heat and simmer the meat sauce until all liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5
Set the meat mixture aside and allow it to cool uncovered.
Step 6
Cook the tubular pasta until al dente (just underdone), then drain and toss with a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
Step 7
Prepare a basic béchamel sauce according to your recipe.
Step 8
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 9
Lightly grease a baking or roasting pan approximately 11 X 14 X 3 inches high.
Step 10
Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on the bottom of the greased pan.
Step 11
Use half of the cooked pasta for the first layer and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the grated kefalotyri cheese.
Step 12
Remove the whole cloves from the cooled meat sauce. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layer and sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of the grated kefalotyri cheese.
Step 13
Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat layer.
Step 14
Carefully pour the prepared béchamel sauce over the top layer of pasta and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 15
Bake the pastitsio at 350°F.
Step 16
After 30 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated kefalotyri cheese on top.
Step 17
Continue to bake until the sauce rises and turns golden brown.
Step 18
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.