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Ina Gartens Pastitsio Recipe

Ina Gartens Pastitsio Recipe

Rebecca
When I first made Ina Garten’s Pastitsio, I was floored by how perfectly all the flavors came together. This dish is a delightful blend of Greek comfort food and elegant cooking, with layers of pasta, rich, aromatic meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel that just melts in your mouth.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course lunch
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 lb 450g
  • Ground lamb: 1 lb 450g
  • Onion: 1 large finely chopped
  • Red wine: 1/2 cup 120ml
  • Crushed tomatoes: 2 cups 480ml
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup 60g
  • All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup 30g
  • Whole milk: 2 cups 480ml
  • Parmesan cheese: 1 cup 100g, freshly grated
  • Eggs: 2 beaten
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup 120ml
  • Penne rigate: 1 lb 450g

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onions until translucent before adding the ground beef and lamb. Cook the meat until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with your spoon as you go. Stir in red wine, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper. 🔥 Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Boil the penne rigate until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture until thickened, then season it with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, followed by the eggs and heavy cream.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the pasta with half the béchamel sauce in a large mixing bowl. Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Add the meat sauce as the next layer, then top it with the remaining pasta. Pour the remaining béchamel over the top and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
  • Bake the Pastitsio for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure your béchamel sauce is lump-free by whisking continuously.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue to bake in the oven.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning in the meat sauce after it simmers.
Keyword Ina Gartens Pastitsio Recipe