Pastiche(Greek)
A hearty Greek-inspired casserole combining seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet.
- Saute the chopped onion and simmer together with the hamburger for a short time.
- Add salt, pepper, cinnamon, and tomato sauce to the mixture.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente.
- Strain the macaroni and add a little butter to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and milk to the melted butter and heat until thickened.
- Beat 12 eggs well and fold into the milk mixture.
- Add grated Romano cheese to the egg and milk mixture.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the cooked macaroni.
- Layer half of the macaroni mixture in the bottom of a large 11 x 16-inch pan.
- Add the cooked hamburger mixture on top of the first layer.
- Cover with the remaining macaroni mixture as the top layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 300°F and bake for another 30 minutes or until golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding some ricotta cheese to the egg and milk mixture. If you're out of Romano cheese, Parmesan works as a great substitute. To enhance flavors, try adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. Make sure to not overcook the macaroni; al dente is key to prevent mushiness during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pastiche hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of Garlic Bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with a refreshing Greek Tzatziki sauce to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious as they may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastiche(Greek) contains roughly 1283 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2097mg per serving (91% 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 Pastiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Pastiche a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of hamburger meat?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger meat. For a vegetarian option, try substituting with lentils or crumbled tempeh, seasoned well to mimic the flavors of the original recipe.
How can I prevent the top layer from burning?
To prevent the top layer from burning, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time. After 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to brown nicely without overcooking.
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).