Macaroni Pastitsio (A Greek Dish)
A hearty Greek baked pasta dish with seasoned meat, creamy white sauce, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love rich, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the package; drain and cool to lukewarm.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions in butter until golden.
- Add ground beef and brown evenly.
- Stir in tomato puree, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Add bread crumbs.
- Beat the egg in a large kettle, then add the cooked macaroni and toss to combine.
- In a large rectangular baking pan (13 x 9 x 2 inches), layer half of the macaroni, then the meat mixture, remaining macaroni, and top with rich white sauce, sprinkling each layer with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned.
- Let stand for 10 minutes, then cut into square portions.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms. When preparing the rich white sauce, make sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth, which pairs beautifully with the macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the macaroni pastitsio with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside a side of Goulash(Steelworkers Hungarian Beef) to complement the flavors. Enjoy with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in an oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Pastitsio (A Greek Dish) contains roughly 945 calories, with 17g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1571mg per serving (68% 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 pastitsio ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare pastitsio a day in advance. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, which will hold the sauce well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten up this dish, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese options. Incorporating more vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, into the meat sauce can also enhance the nutritional value.
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).