Pastitsio is a traditional Greek baked pasta dish made with layers of pasta, seasoned meat sauce, and creamy béchamel baked until golden brown. Often compared to Greek-style lasagna, it is a classic comfort food served at family gatherings and celebrations. This version was later Americanized by Priscilla Kasternakis (Grandma Boots) and Michael Kasternakis, blending traditional Greek roots with family adaptations passed down over time.
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Ingredients
4 lbs. Ground Beef
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
1.5 cans Tomato Puree
2 heaping tsp Beef Bouillon
3/4 tbsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1.5 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Sugar
2 garlic cloves, cut in half
2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Minced Onion
1/2 tsp Basil
1 pinch Nutmeg
Brown Ground Beef with Oil in a large skillet. Mix well and crumble meat. Drain fat. Add Tomato Puree and mix well. Add remainder of ingredients and cook on medium heat for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally. Crush garlic cloves with a fork.
Ingredients
2 lbs. of Ziti
Preparation
Boil 2 lbs. of Ziti until fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
Ingredients
8 cups Whole Milk
9 Egg Yolks
2.5 tsp Salt
1.5 sticks Butter
1 pinch Nutmeg
1.75 cups Grated Parmesan
1.5 cups Flour
Preparation
Combine Milk, Salt, Nutmeg, and Egg Yolks in a large saucepan. Mix well and cook over high heat. While mixture is cold, add Flour and mix well. Add Butter and cook over medium to high heat, stirring continuously until butter is melted. Sauce will begin to thicken. Add grated cheese and continue to stir for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure the sauce does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The sauce is complete once it reaches a thick cake batter-like consistency. You may need to turn the heat up while stirring.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
Pasta
Béchamel Sauce
Directions
Add 1/2 of the pasta to a full-size foil pan and spread it evenly. Add the meat sauce and spread it evenly. Add the second 1/2 of the pasta and spread it evenly. Pour a thick layer of the béchamel sauce on top using a ladle. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until the cheese sauce begins to brown.