Ina Garten Pastitsio

Ina Garten’s Pastitsio features lean ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and flavorful spices layered between pasta and creamy béchamel sauce. With a prep time of 90 minutes and serving 8, it’s a comforting delight.

More Ina Garten Recipe:

• Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
• Ina Garten Baked Ziti
• Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

? Why You’ll Love This Pastitsio Recipe:

• Flavorful: The blend of spices, tomatoes, and beef creates a rich and satisfying taste experience.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of béchamel sauce adds a smooth and luxurious feel to each bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its generous portions and delicious flavor, it’s perfect for feeding a group of hungry guests.

❓ What Is Ina Garten Pastitsio Recipe?

Ina Garten’s Pastitsio is a Greek-inspired dish made with lean ground beef, tomatoes, spices, and creamy béchamel sauce, layered with pasta and baked until golden brown and bubbling.

? Ina Garten Pastitsio Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 whole clove
• salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

• 12 ounces bucatini or pastitsio pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Kefalotiri, Parmesan, or Pecorino cheese
• 1 dash of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Béchamel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups grated Kefalotiri, Parmesan, or Pecorino cheese, divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten

? How To Make Ina Garten Pastitsio  

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Make the meat sauce: 

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir gently until onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. 
2. Increase heat and add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine, broth, tomato paste, parsley, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and clove. 
3. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the pasta: 

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Pour melted butter, 1/4 cup grated cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper over pasta; toss well and cool briefly. Add 2 eggs and toss again, set aside.

Make the béchamel: 

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. 
2. Cool slightly before stirring in 1 cup grated cheese, beaten egg, and egg yolk. Then stir 1/2 cup of béchamel sauce into the meat sauce.

To assemble pastitsio: 

1. Arrange pasta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish so that all of the noodles are nicely lined up and are as level as possible for a great visual effect when serving. 
2. Spoon meat sauce over pasta; top with remaining béchamel sauce, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup grated cheese on top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 50 minutes.
4. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

? Recipe Tips:

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the meat sauce.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
• For a richer flavor, opt for a dry red wine with robust notes.
• Be sure to simmer the meat sauce covered to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

? What To Serve With Pastitsio?

You can serve pastitsio with Chicken Scarpariello, Asparagus Quiche, Potatoes Anna, Alfredo Sauce and Zucchini Bread, and Onion Rings.

? How To Store Leftovers Pastitsio?

• In the fridge: Store leftovers pastitsio in an airtight container for 3 days.
• In the freezer: Wrap leftover pastitsio tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for 3 months.

? How To Reheat Leftovers Pastitsio?

• In the oven: Reheat leftovers pastitsio in a preheated oven for 5 -7 minutes at 350°F.
• In the microwave: Reheat leftovers pastitsio on high for 2-5 minutes until heated through.
• In the air-fryer: Reheat leftovers pastitsio for 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQ’S:

More Ina Garten Recipe:

• Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Ina Garten Beef Stroganoff
• Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna

Ina Garten Pastitsio Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 556
• Total Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 208mg
• Sodium: 940mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 34
• Calcium: 318mg
• Iron: 4mg
• Potassium: 744mg