Classic Greek Pasta Bake with Meat & Béchamel

HealthyRecipes
Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
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Pastitsio – Greek pasta with meat and béchamel (Greek lasagna) pinit
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Layers of Comfort: A Timeless Mediterranean Crowd-Pleaser!

Classic Greek Pasta Bake with Meat & Béchamel

Pastitsio (Greek "παστίτσιο") is Greece’s answer to lasagna—a soul-warming casserole of tubular pasta, spiced meat sauce, and velvety béchamel. This iconic dish (Greek Pasta) graces tables during holidays, family gatherings, and Sunday feasts.

Our recipe balances authenticity with approachability, using warm cinnamon and nutmeg to elevate the rich beef-tomato sauce, while a golden-crusted béchamel adds creamy luxury. Baked until bubbly and rested to perfection, it’s a guaranteed showstopper that’s both hearty and elegant.

Recommended Occasions: Sunday dinners, holidays (Easter/Christmas), potlucks, or meal prep.

Enjoy crafting this Greek masterpiece!

Author: HealthyRecipes Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses: , ,
Pastitsio – Greek pasta with meat and béchamel (Greek lasagna)
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Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 20 mins Total Time 1 hr 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Calories: 580 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

Pasta Layer:

Béchamel Sauce:

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Meat Sauce:

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (5 min). Add garlic; cook 1 min.

    • Add beef; brown until no pink remains. Pour in wine; simmer 2 min.

    • Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20 min uncovered. Discard bay leaf.

  1. Pasta:

    • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente (1–2 min less than package time). Drain.

    • Toss hot pasta with olive oil, beaten egg, and cheese. Set aside.

  1. Béchamel:

    • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 1 min until golden.

    • Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until thick and smooth (8–10 min).

    • Remove from heat. Whisk in eggs, cheese, nutmeg, white pepper, and ½ tsp salt.

  1. Assemble & Bake:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

    • Layer 1: Spread half the pasta evenly in the dish.

    • Layer 2: Pour all meat sauce over pasta.

    • Layer 3: Top with remaining pasta.

    • Layer 4: Pour béchamel over everything; smooth with a spatula.

    • Bake 45–50 min until top is golden and set.

    • Rest 20 min before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g44%
Saturated Fat 13g65%
Cholesterol 145mg49%
Sodium 520mg22%
Potassium 610mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 9g
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 350 mcg
Vitamin C 12 mg
Calcium 320 mg
Iron 3.5 mg
Vitamin D 1.5 IU
Folate 90 mcg
Iodine 45 mcg
Magnesium 65 mg
Zinc 4.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Vegetarian: Swap beef for 2 cups cooked lentils + 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  • Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and rice flour for béchamel.
  • Lighter Béchamel: Replace 1 cup milk with low-sodium broth.
  • Crisp Top: Broil 2–3 min after baking (watch closely!).
Keywords: Greek Pastitsio, Mediterranean baked pasta, Greek Pasta, homemade Pastitsio, Greek lasagna recipe, family dinner casserole, meat and béchamel pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I prepare Pastitsio ahead?

Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead (cover and refrigerate). Add 10–15 min to baking time if cold.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge; reheat at 325°F (160°C) until hot.

What pasta is most authentic?

Greek misko pasta (thick tubes) or bucatini. Penne or ziti work too!

Why did my béchamel split?

Avoid boiling after adding eggs. Remove sauce from heat, let cool 2 min, then slowly whisk in eggs.

Is Pastitsio keto-friendly?

No—pasta and flour make it carb-heavy. Try layering zucchini ribbons instead.

Can I omit the wine?

Yes. Replace with ½ cup beef broth + 1 tsp balsamic vinegar.

How to make it gluten-free?

Use GF pasta and swap flour in béchamel for cornstarch or GF flour blend.

What pairs well with Pastitsio?

A crisp Greek salad (horiatiki) and roasted vegetables. Dry red wine like Agiorgitiko.