Ina Garten Pastitsio Recipe

Ina Garten’s Pastitsio is a comforting and flavorful Greek-inspired dish that combines layers of pasta, spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With her emphasis on simplicity and quality ingredients, Ina’s take on pastitsio delivers authentic flavors with ease.

What is Ina Garten Pastitsio?

Ina Garten’s Pastitsio is a Greek-baked pasta dish featuring layers of tubular pasta, a rich and spiced meat sauce, and a smooth béchamel topping. It’s similar to lasagna but offers a unique flavor profile with cinnamon, nutmeg, and Greek-inspired seasonings.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten Midnight Pasta
• Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
• Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Pastitsio

• Authentic flavors: The blend of spices and béchamel creates a rich and satisfying dish.
• Family-friendly: A hearty meal that everyone will love.
• Make-ahead option: Ideal for preparing in advance for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Balanced texture: Creamy béchamel and spiced meat sauce pair perfectly with al dente pasta.
• Elegant yet comforting: Suitable for both casual dinners and entertaining.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Pastitsio

For the pasta layer:

• Penne or ziti pasta: 1 pound, cooked al dente.
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons.
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated.

For the meat sauce:

• Ground lamb or beef: 1 1/2 pounds.
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons.
• Canned tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), crushed.
• Red wine: 1/2 cup.
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.

For the béchamel sauce:

• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons.
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup.
• Milk: 4 cups, warmed.
• Egg yolks: 3 large.
• Nutmeg: A pinch.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Pastitsio

Step 1: Cook the pasta

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with butter, beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the meat sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
• Add the ground lamb or beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the béchamel sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
• Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the pastitsio

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the dish. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly.
• Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat sauce.
• Pour the béchamel sauce over the top layer, spreading it evenly to cover.

Step 5: Bake the pastitsio

• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and serve

• Let the pastitsio cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or crusty bread.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Pastitsio

• Greek salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives.
• Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted eggplant or zucchini.
• Tzatziki sauce: Adds a tangy and creamy element.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the meat sauce.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Pastitsio

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh spices, good Parmesan, and quality meat make a difference.
• Cook the pasta al dente: This prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Don’t skip resting: Allow the pastitsio to rest before slicing to keep the layers intact.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Customize the protein: Substitute lamb with beef or even ground turkey if preferred.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Pastitsio

• Vegetarian option: Use sautéed mushrooms and lentils instead of meat.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick.
• Cheesy twist: Mix mozzarella or Gruyère with the Parmesan for a richer flavor.
• Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the béchamel.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Pastitsio

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked pastitsio in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can pastitsio be made ahead of time?

Yes, pastitsio can be made ahead. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

What is the best pasta to use for pastitsio?

Penne or ziti are ideal for pastitsio, as their tubular shape holds the meat sauce well. Traditional Greek pastitsio uses bucatini or long hollow pasta for a more authentic touch.

How do you prevent béchamel from curdling?

To prevent curdling, use warm milk and add it gradually while whisking constantly. Remove the béchamel from heat before adding the egg yolks and temper them by mixing in a small amount of hot béchamel before combining fully.

Can pastitsio be frozen?

Yes, pastitsio freezes well. Assemble it without baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Pastitsio is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich layers of spiced meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta, this Greek-inspired casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

More Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry
• Ina Garten Crustless Quiche
• Ina Garten Guacamole
• Ina Garten Snickerdoodles

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