Delicious Homemade Pastitsio for Tomorrow (But We Couldn't Wait! 😅)

Hey, my lovely friends! 😊 I couldn't wait till tomorrow, so I made this irresistible pastitsio today! The house smells amazing, and we already couldn't resist cutting into it. 😂 If you haven’t tried it yet, this dish is the perfect comfort food, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite at your table too.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta Layer:

• 500g pasta (penne or tubular macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, for boiling the pasta

For the Meat Sauce:

• 500g ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, grated or blended
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 500ml milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (parmesan or kefalotyri)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pasta:

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Make the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
• Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Once the meat is browned, add the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the red wine if you’re using it, and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for a minute to form a roux.
• Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens.
• Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.

Assemble the Pastitsio:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta on the bottom. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Top with the bechamel sauce, spreading it out smoothly to cover the entire dish.
• Sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Bake the Pastitsio:

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the pastitsio cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy the rich, comforting layers of pasta, meat, and creamy sauce.

Wishing You All a Blessed November! 🍁🍂 I hope this month brings you all plenty of health, strength, and patience to face anything that comes your way. Stay safe and enjoy every bite of this warm and hearty pastitsio! 🥰