Pastitsio - Greek Pasta Casserole

Pastitsio is a Greek pasta casserole. Some say it is the Greek equivalent of lasagna. But, the Greeks have their own cooking style. So I encourage you to try this unique dish.

The main ingredients of pastitsio are pasta, minced meat, aromatic spices and smooth béchamel sauce. The combination of these ingredients makes this dish extremely appetizing.

I encountered this dish in mainland Greece. This is where this recipe comes from. Unfortunately, I couldn't find them on islands such as Crete or Rhodes. It's possible that I simply didn't find the right tavern. Either way, I recommend this dish.

Traditional Pastitsio consists of several key ingredients that create a harmonious flavor composition. To prepare Pastitsio you will need:

Pasta - Pasta is the basic ingredient of Pastitsio. The most common type is bucatini, but penne or rigatoni can also be used. Pasta should be cooked al dente so that it retains the right consistency after baking.

Minced meat - Minced meat is an integral part of Pastitsio. Traditionally, minced beef or pork is used. You can also experiment with other types of meat or use a combination of different types of meat. The meat is fried with onions, garlic and spices for a rich flavor.

Tomato sauce - Tomato sauce gives Pastitsio a distinct taste and aroma. You can use a ready-made sauce or prepare it yourself using ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and herbs.

Béchamel sauce - Béchamel sauce is an indispensable ingredient of Pastitsio, which gives it a creamy texture and delicate taste. Béchamel sauce is made from butter, flour and milk, then seasoned with nutmeg and salt.

Now that we know the ingredients, let's move on to the Pastitsio preparation process: