Ingredients:

FOR THE PASTA

1 pkg. (500 g) pasta for pastitsio or penne pasta

1/2 cup grated kefalotiri cheese

50 gr LYDELIA EVOO

FOR THE MEAT SAUCE

1 kg ground beef

1/3 cup LYDELIA EVOO

2 onions chopped

2 crushed garlic cloves

1 large carrot grated

500 gr crushed tomatoes canned or fresh

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/3 cup red wine

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt - Pepper

FOR THE BECHAMEL

1 - 1/2 lt fresh milk

2 tablespoons butter

7 tablespoons corn flour

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup grated kefalotiri cheese

salt - pepper to taste

"Pastitsio is the ultimate Greek comfort food—layers of pasta, spiced meat, and golden béchamel baked to perfection. A Sunday favorite, it carries the warmth of family kitchens and cherished traditions."

Instructions:

• Make the Meat Sauce

  • Heat the olive oil in a wide shallow saucepan, sauté the minced meat until brown. Do not stir constantly.

  • Add onion, garlic and carrot. Sauté 2-3 mins

  • Add tomato paste to the bottom of the pan and stir well

  • Stir in wine and let it reduce.

  • Add tomatoes, spices, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until thick. Remove bay leaf and cinnamon stick.

• Cook the Pasta

  • Boil pasta and drain.

  • Mix with olive oil and cheese. Set aside.

• Prepare the Béchamel

  • In a deep saucepan add the milk, butter and corn flour, nutmeg and salt. Stir well on medium to high heat.

  • Keep stirring until thick

  • Remove from heat, whisk in egg yolks one by one constantly stirring. Add grated kefalotiri cheese.

• Assemble the Pastitsio

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

  • Grease a large baking dish.

  • Spread the pasta on the bottom, cover with all the meat sauce.

  • Pour the béchamel evenly on top, smoothing the surface.

  • For extra crispiness sprinkle with some bread crumbs and grated kefalotiri cheese. (optional)

• Bake

  • Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden.

  • Let rest at least 45 minutes before slicing (this helps it set).

This dish is made with

Lydelia Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pastitsio

Main Course ⏱60 mins 🍽️ 8-10 servings