Name: Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: PT-488014H27M27S
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) bucatini or ziti pasta; 2 egg whites; 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese; Salt, for boiling water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or lamb); 1/4 cup red wine (optional); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground clove; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional); 1/4 cup (60 g) butter; 1/4 cup (30 g) flour; 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warm; 2 egg yolks; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

If you’re searching for the ultimate Mediterranean comfort dish, look no further than this Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna). With its irresistible layers of pasta, lush spiced meat sauce, and dreamy, creamy béchamel, pastitsio brings the flavors and heartiness of Greece right into your own kitchen. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a true celebration on a plate, perfect for Sunday family gatherings or making any regular night feel special.

Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its luxurious taste, every ingredient in Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) plays a vital role. These simple essentials combine to deliver authentic flavors, inviting aromas, and that signature golden, creamy top. Here’s what you’ll need and why!

Pasta: Bucatini or ziti is the traditional choice, creating a sturdy, beautiful base that holds its shape and soaks in all the saucy goodness.
Egg whites: These are the secret to keeping the pasta base beautifully set—don’t skip them!
Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, sharp flavor to both pasta and béchamel, providing irresistible richness.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and boosting every layer’s flavor.
Olive oil: Sautéing the onions in oil brings authentic Greek aroma right at the start.
Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat sauce, balancing the spices.
Garlic: Lends a rustic, savory foundation to the sauce—classic Greek goodness.
Ground beef or lamb: Both work beautifully; lamb gives earthier notes, while beef is classic comfort.
Red wine (optional): Adds a subtle complexity and ties all the flavors together.
Tomato paste & crushed tomatoes: Bring bright acidity and body to the meat sauce, making it rich and flavorful.
Ground cinnamon & clove: These signature Greek spices make the meat sauce deeply aromatic and memorable.
Salt and pepper: To season every element perfectly.
Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness at the end of cooking the meat sauce.
Butter: The backbone of a velvety béchamel, adding classic flavor and richness.
Flour: Thickens the béchamel so it sits beautifully atop everything.
Whole milk: Makes for a lusciously creamy sauce—don’t skimp on quality!
Egg yolks: These enrich the béchamel and help it set perfectly.
Nutmeg (optional): A classic finishing touch to béchamel, lending warmth and aroma.

How to Make Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna)

Step 1: Make the Savory Meat Sauce

Start your Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) journey by heating olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, then toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up as you brown it—this is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing! Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), cinnamon, and clove. Don’t forget the salt and pepper! Let everything simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and luscious. Finish it off with a sprinkle of parsley, if you like, then set aside to let the flavors meld even more.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your bucatini or ziti until just al dente. This ensures your pasta holds up during baking. Drain well, then while it’s still warm, toss with egg whites and half of the grated cheese—this little trick keeps your base snuggly together with a lovely, cheesy edge. Set aside and start preheating your oven!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and then whisk in the flour, cooking for a minute or two until it smells slightly nutty (but not browned). Gradually stream in warm milk while whisking constantly—you’ll see it thicken into a creamy cloud. Off the heat, season with salt, pepper, cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg if you wish. Let it cool just a bit, then whisk in your egg yolks. Don’t rush this step—the béchamel is what makes Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) so heavenly and decadent.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick grease. Spread your egg white and cheese-kissed pasta evenly across the bottom, creating a firm, inviting base. Scoop all that aromatic meat sauce over top and smooth it out in an even layer. Carefully pour your béchamel over it all, spreading it gently for a thick, luxurious topping. If you want extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more grated cheese on the surface. Now, your masterpiece is oven-ready!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 to 50 minutes. The top should become golden, slightly puffed, and delightfully set around the edges, with little bubbles hinting at the deliciousness below. The hardest part? Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing! This patience pays off: it ensures your Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) slices up neatly, holding its beautiful layers like a culinary work of art.

How to Serve Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna)

Garnishes

When presenting each hearty slice, consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra kefalotyri or parmesan. This simple finish brings fresh color and a bit more savory, nutty oomph to each bite—plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous on the plate!

Side Dishes

Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) is a meal in itself, but an easy Greek salad with tomato, cucumber, olives, and feta brings brightness and crunch to the table. For a true Mediterranean spread, try serving it with warm crusty bread or roasted seasonal vegetables in olive oil and oregano. Every bite will whisk you straight to the Greek islands!

Creative Ways to Present

If you love to impress, assemble pastitsio in individual ramekins for party-perfect servings, or use cookie cutters to create elegant, round slices for a buffet. For gatherings, top with little flags or fresh herb sprigs and arrange on a colorful platter. Rediscover leftovers by reheating in a skillet for crispy edges or even making Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) sliders inside mini pita pockets—unexpected, but delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the big meal, let any leftover Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate slices or squares in an airtight container. Properly stored, it stays delicious for up to 4 days—just waiting for a comforting encore.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer hero! To freeze, wrap tightly (entire casserole or individual servings) in foil and plastic wrap. You can store Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat slices covered in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through—about 20–30 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works for single servings, but the oven brings back that freshly baked magic. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time in the oven and keep it covered until heated through.

FAQs

What makes Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) different from Italian lasagna?

While both dishes are delightfully layered comfort foods, pastitsio is uniquely Greek thanks to its spiced meat sauce (cinnamon and clove are essential!), tubular pasta, and that signature, rich béchamel topping. No ricotta or mozzarella here—just creamy, nutty cheese goodness.

Can I make Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna) ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the whole casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, covered. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so your future self will thank you.

Is it okay to use different cheeses if I can’t find kefalotyri?

Yes—parmesan is a perfect substitute, or you can try pecorino or a mix of hard cheese varieties. The goal is to have a tangy, nutty flavor that stands out in both the béchamel and pasta layers.

Can I use ground turkey or make it vegetarian?

Definitely! Ground turkey works well in place of beef or lamb, and for a vegetarian option, try a hearty lentil and mushroom filling. The spices and béchamel will still bring plenty of Greek character to the table.

Why does pastitsio need time to rest before cutting?

The rest period is essential—it allows the béchamel and meat sauce to set, so every slice holds its shape. If you cut too soon, the layers can run together (still delicious, but a bit messier!).

Final Thoughts

Few dishes capture the generosity and warmth of Greek cooking quite like this Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Greek Lasagna). Whether you serve it for a crowd or savor the leftovers all week, you’ll fall in love with its complex flavors, creamy texture, and nostalgia-inducing aroma. Gather your favorite people and give it a try—you’ll be starting a delicious new tradition!