Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

1. Pasta Layer

• 1 lb (450 g) pastitsio pasta or bucatini/ziti

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan

2. Meat Sauce (Ragù)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ½ beef + ½ lamb

• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• ¼ cup red wine (optional but authentic)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup water or broth

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

3. Béchamel Sauce

• 6 tbsp butter

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups warm milk

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• Salt & white/black pepper to taste

• 1 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan

• 2 eggs, beaten (tempered

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the meat sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until soft.

2. Add garlic and ground meat; cook until browned.

3. Stir in tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt & pepper.

4. Add wine (if using) and simmer 1 minute.

5. Add tomato sauce and water/broth.

6. Add bay leaf.

7. Simmer 25–30 minutes, until thickened and fragrant.

8. Remove bay leaf and set aside.

2. Cook the pasta

1. Boil pasta until just under al dente.

2. Drain and immediately toss with butter.

3. Stir in beaten eggs and half the grated cheese while warm.

3. Make the béchamel

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.

2. Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook 2 minutes.

3. Slowly add warm milk while whisking.

4. Cook 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy.

5. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

6. Remove from heat; stir in grated cheese.

7. Whisk eggs separately, then temper by adding a ladleful of béchamel into the eggs while whisking constantly.

8. Stir egg mixture back into béchamel.

4. Assemble the pastitsio

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Spread half the pasta on the bottom.

4. Add all the meat sauce evenly.

5. Top with remaining pasta.

6. Pour the béchamel over the top and smooth.

7. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.

5. Bake

• Bake 45–55 minutes, until golden brown on top.

• Rest 20–30 minutes before cutting — this is essential for clean slices.

🍽️ Serve With

• Greek salad

• Crusty bread

• Tzatziki

• Roasted vegetables