Pastitso
Pastitso is a hearty Greek-inspired baked pasta dish layered with savory meat, creamy sauce, and cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add warm water and tomato paste to the meat mixture; simmer briefly.
- Cook macaroni until al dente; drain.
- Add margarine and American cheese to the cooked macaroni; stir until melted and combined.
- In a separate saucepan, heat milk, 1/2 cup margarine, cornstarch, and water until thickened; then cool.
- Beat eggs until yellow; add seasonings and cheese to the eggs.
- In a 2-quart casserole, layer the meat mixture, macaroni, and sauce.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, instead of just American cheese. If you're short on time, substitute cooked rotini or penne for macaroni. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition. When browning the meat, try using lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pastitso with a simple side salad, such as Marinated Artichoke Salad, for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of tzatziki sauce can also enhance flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Greek Style Kabobs With Pita Bread for a complete Mediterranean meal, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastitso contains roughly 784 calories, with 9g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1738mg per serving (76% 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 prepare Pastitso ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to cook it a bit longer to remove the raw flour taste. Alternatively, arrowroot powder can also work as a gluten-free thickener.
Is there a vegetarian version of Pastitso?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian Pastitso, replace the hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for added flavor and texture, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.
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).