Pastitsio is in most Greek households’ every day meal rotation, but I find it can be a bit of a ‘chore’ to eat (and make!) Not this easy peasy version with a simple yoghurt-y topping, though!
This is probably not the way I really want to start off this post to best sell this meal to you. But I’m going to anyway. 😉
Up until now, I’ve never really been a fan of pastitsio. If you’re not even sure what pastitsio is, as I wasn’t before I went to live in Greece (yes, another Greek meal, but no apologies, as usual!) it’s basically a pasta bake made with beef or lamb mince and long tube-shaped pasta and topped with a thick soufflé-like béchamel sauce.
Sounds delicious, right? Well, it is, but only if made in a certain way. Many of the versions I tried in Greece were good, but a bit too heavy on the carbs. There was a thick layer of pasta, topped with a thick layer of fairly dry meat, and then all that heaviness was topped with another heavy layer of béchamel. Hmmm … not quite my cup of tea.
Ingredients
But this version I can live with. The meat sauce is a tasty, juicy bolognese sauce with:
- tomato puree
- wine
- beef stock
- mushrooms (just because)
- loads of tasty herbs and spices – I used dried oregano and thyme and fresh parsley, just because that’s what was hanging out in my cupboard, but rosemary or basil or just dried mixed herbs would work just as well.
- cinnamon – because that’s what the Greeks always add to their meat sauce
- mixed spice with nutmeg and clove
In all honesty, though, you could miss out the spices if you like. You could even use your own favourite spag bol sauce in this recipe if you prefer. In a pinch you could even use a jar of bought Bolognese sauce if you’re short on time (you need about 4 cups).
Actually, next time I make this, I’ll make double the amount of sauce, because it would be great to freeze some for a lasagna or moussaka, or even just for a classic spag bol.
How to make pastitsio
All you do is simmer your sauce for about half an hour, boil up your pasta (I just used penne), mix the pasta into the sauce, then pour over an easier version of ‘béchamel’ made out of Greek yoghurt, eggs and parmesan cheese and bake.
I also make this when I make a moussaka (like this easy skinny chicken moussaka) – it’s so much quicker and easier than the classic roux-based version!
How to serve it
This is fabulous with a simple green salad.
The best thing is that this recipe makes enough for six whole portions. Enough to have some for dinner and freeze some for another time.
More scrumptious Greek main meals
- Greek oven baked fish (your new favourite way to cook fish!)
- This Baked Greek chicken and potatoes has come to my rescue time after time. It’s so easy – not to mention delicious served with a big Greek salad.
- I love this vegetarian option – a One pan Greek couscous with halloumi.
- This Greek lamb with lemony garlic potatoes is highly recommended if you’re looking to impress!
- This Greek stuffed peppers and tomatoes are pretty epic. You have to try them to find out why!
- This baked Greek chicken orzo is a tasty one pot everyday meal.
Or if you’re just enjoying the whole Greek food vibe in this post, you might like to check out my Greek recipes archives!
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Cheat’s pastitsio (with a yoghurt topping)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
For the easy bolognese sauce
- 1 onion chopped
- 14 ounces minced beef or lamb
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 9 ounces mushrooms chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree mixed with 150ml water and a beef stock cube
- 2/3 cup red wine
- 14 ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs I used oregano & thyme, but mixed herbs are great, too
- a handful of fresh chopped parsley
- salt & pepper
the rest of the ingredients
- 9 ounces penne ziti or macaroni
- 1 tablespoon scant corn flour
- 1 1/3 cup Greek yoghurt
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175C/350F. Fry the onion in a large saucepan with a drizzle of oil until translucent. Add the mince and brown for a few minutes.
- Add the garlic, cinnamon and allspice and stir and cook for a minute. Then add the mushrooms, tomato puree/water/stock, wine, chopped tomatoes and dried herbs.
- Bring the mixture to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes until you have a rich sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet and drain. Also prepare the topping by whisking the eggs and about half the parmesan into the yoghurt and corn flour in a medium bowl.
- When the sauce is done, tip the pasta into it and mix well. Stir through the parsley and season well. Tip the pasta and sauce into a medium baking dish.
- Pour the yoghurt topping evenly over the top of the meat and pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden on the top.
Michele says
I love pastitsio and your recipe looks so fabulous! Quick question…What is corn flour? I am from the U.S. and I have corn starch and corn meal. I’m assuming it is corn starch but wanted to be sure. Thanks so much.
Helen says
Hello Michele! I hope I’m replying in time! Corn flour is indeed corn starch! Corn flour is just the UK way to say it. I hope you enjoy it! If you prefer you can top your pastitsio with regular bechamel sauce. You can find that recipe here: https://scrummylane.com/easy-moussaka/ This recipe is also very delicious!