Beef Pastichio(Greek)
Beef Pastitsio is a hearty Greek casserole featuring flavorful seasoned ground beef layered with creamy pasta and topped with Parmesan, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water; drain again.
- In a heavy saucepan, stir flour into melted butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Cover and let the sauce cool.
- In a large frying pan, brown the chopped onion and ground beef.
- Pour off the drippings from the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, cinnamon, and oregano over the beef.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of grated nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. If you don't have elbow macaroni, any short pasta like penne or rigatoni can work as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, try using ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional Greek touch. Remember to stir the sauce continuously while it thickens to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Pastichio pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with tzatziki for a refreshing contrast. For a hearty dinner, consider serving it alongside Winter'S Day Soup to warm up chilly evenings. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Pastichio(Greek) contains roughly 430 calories, with 9g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1401mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Beef Pastichio ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Beef Pastichio a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you freeze it, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative due to its similar flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Is Beef Pastichio suitable for freezing?
Yes, Beef Pastichio can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).