Indulge in the rich flavors of Greece with our traditional Pastitsio recipe. This iconic dish features layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground meat, aromatic spices, and a velvety béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of Greece at home, our Pastitsio recipe is sure to satisfy your culinary wanderlust.

Here's a classic recipe for Greek Pastitsio:

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the béchamel sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 2 eggs, beaten

For assembling:

• 400g (14 oz) macaroni or penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.

2- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3- To prepare the meat sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

4- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

6- To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

7- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

8- Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined. Set aside.

9- To assemble the Pastitsio, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

10- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta layer, spreading it out evenly.

11- Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat sauce layer.

12- Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

13- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the béchamel sauce.

14- Bake the Pastitsio in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

15- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Greek Pastitsio!

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients in the Greek Pastitsio recipe:

Nutritional Values:

Please note that these values are estimated and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.

Ground beef or lamb (500g):

• Calories: 1000-1200 kcal
• Protein: 80-100g
• Fat: 70-90g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, onions may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. It also contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Diced tomatoes (400g can):

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which may help protect against certain cancers and promote heart health.

Tomato paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Concentrated tomato paste provides a rich source of lycopene and other antioxidants. It's also low in calories and fat but adds depth of flavor to dishes.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and protect against chronic diseases.

Butter (4 tablespoons):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:While high in saturated fat, butter adds richness and flavor to dishes. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

All-purpose flour (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Flour provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy. It also contains small amounts of protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Milk (2 cups):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 24g

benefits:A good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, milk helps build strong bones and muscles. It also provides essential nutrients for overall health and well-being.

Eggs (2 large):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids. They're also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting brain health, eye health, and muscle function.

Macaroni or penne pasta (400g):

• Calories: 1400 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 280g
• Fiber: 12g

benefits:Pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated):

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Parmesan cheese is high in calcium and protein, making it beneficial for bone health and muscle repair. It also adds a savory flavor to dishes without adding excessive amounts of sodium.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities used.