This is a delicious Greek Pastitsio casserole recipe. We used to have an event in our city called Kavalkade – you bought a passport and then got to go around the city to various locations to experience foods, art, entertainment, and more from countries around the world. That was where I first discovered this recipe and it has been a favourite ever since. It’s kind of a Greek take on lasagna!
With its unique blend of spices and Bechamel sauce, Pastitsio is a delight to the taste buds. As with most dishes, there are regional differences when it comes to making this Greek pasta casserole. Some versions are somewhat similar to my Neapolitan casserole recipe, having a tomato sauce added to it. This one, however, is more of a “white” Pastitsio as was taught to me by the delightful women at the Greek Canadian club.
Greek Pastitsio Casserole Recipe
Greek Pastitsio Casserole Recipe
With its unique blend of spices and Bechamel sauce, Greek Pastitsio Casserole is a delight to the taste buds. Think of it as a Greek version of lasagna! YUM!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 lb macaroni uncooked
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 6 eggs separated
- 1/4 lb Romano cheese grated (you can use Kefaloteri cheese instead if you can find it)
Instructions
Meat Filling
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Melt 1/4 cup butter in a deep skillet. Saute onion until soft.
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Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned.
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Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/3 cup of water. Bring to a boil.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
Macaroni
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Cook macaroni as instructed on package. Do not overcook. You want it to still be firm.
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Drain and rinse well. Melt 1/3 cup butter in the pan you used for the macaroni.
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Add macaroni back to the pan and toss gently with butter until well coated.
Sauce
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In a bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup water.
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In a saucepan, heat up the 1 1/2 cups milk and 1/4 cup butter.
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When the milk mixture is warm, add in the flour mixture gradually, stirring constantly.
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Continue stirring this mixture until it thickens. Remove from the heat.
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Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff. Add the yolks and continue beating until thick.
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Fold the egg mixture into the sauce pan and stir until blended in.
Assembling the Casserole.
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Grease a 9 by 13 baking dish or spray with cooking spray.
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Pour in half of the macaroni into a nice, even layer.
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Sprinkle 1/3 of the grated cheese over top of the macaroni.
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Next, add the meat filling, spreading evenly.
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Add another 1/3 of the grated cheese, followed by the rest of the macaroni.
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Top with the last of the cheese.
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Finally, carefully pour the cream sauce over the whole casserole. I like to place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet in case of any bubbling over.
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Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Want some more delicious casserole recipes that your family will love?
Mom’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
What’s your favorite type of Greek food? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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