The Ultimate Greek Pastitsio Recipe: Ina Garten’s Cozy Comfort

Pastitsio, the beloved Greek comfort dish with layers of rich flavors, stands as a culinary masterpiece that beckons comfort seekers.

Ina Garten’s interpretation brings a sophisticated twist to this classic Mediterranean casserole.

Robust ground beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy béchamel sauce dance together in perfect harmony.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through traditional Greek cuisine with modern refinement.

Pasta nestled between savory meat and velvety sauce creates a texture symphony that melts in your mouth.

The recipe captures the essence of hearty home cooking with an elegant touch.

Dive into this irresistible dish that promises to transport you straight to the sunny streets of Greece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Pastitsio Bake

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein base with robust flavor, choose lean cut for less greasiness..
• Onion: Adds sweet undertone and aromatic depth, select firm and glossy onions without soft spots..
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor profile, pick fresh cloves with tight, unblemished skin..

• Tomatoes: Creates tangy sauce foundation, opt for ripe, deep-colored canned tomatoes..
• Red Wine: Offers complex, sophisticated taste layers, select dry variety for balanced depth..
• Broth: Contributes moisture and additional savory notes, low-sodium versions recommended..
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies sauce concentration, seek tubes for fresher preservation..
• Parsley: Introduces bright, herbaceous accent, choose vibrant green leaves..
• Cinnamon, Clove: Bring warm, Mediterranean spice undertones, use freshly ground for maximum potency..

• Pasta: Serves structural backbone, select traditional Greek macaroni or ziti..
• Butter: Creates silky texture and rich flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter..
• Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy finish, blend of hard and soft varieties recommended..
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds luxurious richness, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs..
• Milk: Forms smooth béchamel base, whole milk yields most luxurious consistency..
• Flour: Thickens sauce, unbleached all-purpose works perfectly..
• Nutmeg: Delivers subtle, warm undertone, freshly grate.

Tools That Make Ina Garten’s Pastitsio Easy

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions with garlic.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling pasta and preparing water.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Perfect for layering and baking the pastitsio.
• Saucepan: Crucial for creating smooth béchamel sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring meat sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Necessary for grating cheese for layers.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping onions and herbs.

Step-by-Step for Baking Ina Garten’s Pastitsio

Greek Comfort Cuisine

• Flavor Foundation Prep

Get your kitchen ready with all the necessary tools and ingredients. Warm up the oven and prepare a large baking dish for this hearty Greek casserole.

• Savory Meat Mixture

In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Brown the ground beef, creating a rich base layer. Add tomatoes, wine, and aromatic spices like cinnamon to build deep, complex flavors.

• Pasta Preparation

Cook pasta until perfectly al dente. Toss with a touch of butter, cheese, and subtle seasoning. Incorporate eggs to create a silky, binding texture for the dish.

• Creamy Béchamel Creation

Craft a luxurious white sauce by carefully blending flour, milk, and cheese. The sauce should be smooth and velvety, creating a luscious topping for the casserole.

• Layering Magic

Arrange pasta as the first layer in the baking dish. Spread the robust meat sauce over the pasta, then generously cover with the creamy béchamel. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

• Baking Perfection

Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with delicious promise. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Flavor Tips to Elevate Ina Garten’s Pastitsio

• Pro Tips & Twists
• Choose high-quality ground beef with a 80/20 fat ratio for richer, more flavorful meat sauce that enhances overall dish depth.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy noodles and maintaining perfect al dente consistency.
• Experiment with authentic Greek cheeses like kefalograviera or mizithra instead of standard parmesan for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Whisk béchamel sauce continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve silky-smooth texture that coats pasta beautifully.
• Prepare pastitsio components separately the day before, assemble just before baking to save time and develop deeper flavor integration.

How to Present Ina Garten Pastitsio at the Table

• Pair Perfectly with Greek Sides: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta, kalamata olives, and fresh cucumber to complement the rich, meaty pastitsio.
• Create Mediterranean Feast: Match the dish with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and roasted vegetable medley to enhance the authentic Greek dining experience.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Pour a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro to balance the hearty flavors and add depth to your meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or oregano on top right before serving to add brightness and a pop of fresh color to the golden-brown casserole.

Storing Leftover Pastitsio the Ina Garten Way

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover pastitsio in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layered casserole maintains its delicious flavor and texture when properly sealed.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying out.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Assemble the entire pastitsio up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure thorough heating.