08/06/2026
🇬🇷🍝 Authentic Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) | Creamy, Rich & Classic Mediterranean Comfort!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 10
📝 Ingredients
🍝 Pasta Layer
1 lb (450 g) No. 2 tubular pasta (or penne/ziti)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
🥩 Greek Meat Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef or lamb
1 large onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp paprika
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🥛 Creamy Béchamel Sauce
6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
5 cups (1.2 L) whole milk, warm
2 large eggs
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and white pepper, to taste
✨ Garnish
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh oregano sprigs
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well, then toss with the melted butter, beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan.
2️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned.
3️⃣ Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, nutmeg, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 30–35 minutes until thick and rich. Remove the bay leaves.
4️⃣ Make the Béchamel
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs.
5️⃣ Assemble
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread half of the pasta evenly, followed by all of the meat sauce. Add the remaining pasta, then pour the creamy béchamel over the top, smoothing it into an even layer.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the béchamel is beautifully puffed and deep golden brown.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Allow the Pastitsio to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh oregano, and grated Parmesan. Serve with a crisp Greek salad.