Delicious Greek Pastitsio {Casserole-Style}
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Delicious Greek Pastitsio {Casserole-Style}
Description
This Greek Pastitsio recipe combines cooked penne pasta with a ground turkey (or sirloin) sauce made by sautéing meat and onions with garlic, then thickening with flour and dissolving cream cheese and milk into the mixture, seasoned with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes. The creamy sauce coats the pasta thoroughly. After combining, the mixture is placed into a baking dish, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley, then baked until bubbly and golden under the broiler.
The dish serves as a hearty main course with a balanced combination of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and savory meat. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth characteristic of traditional pastitsio. The mozzarella topping creates a melty and slightly crisp layer when broiled, adding texture contrast.
The recipe also provides a make-ahead freezing option: assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. It can be baked from frozen at moderate temperature for 1.5 to 2.75 hours, ensuring convenience without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground sirloin
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion from about 1 large onion
- 1 ¾ teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese light
- 2 cups milk 1% or skim work great
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 (14.5-ounce) (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes drained
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, part-skim
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh flat-leaf
Instructions
- Coat a 9X13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Preheat the broiler.
- In a large pot of lightly salted, boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add beef or turkey to the pan with the diced onions and 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring to break up the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through. Drain excess grease from the meat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, another minute or so. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the cream cheese in pieces, scattering it over the meat. Let it melt into the meat and stir to combine. Whisk or stir in the milk, nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt and tomatoes. Stir to combine well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook 5-6 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened and is thoroughly heated through.
- Stir in the pasta and spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta and broil for about 3-5 minutes (watching carefully so it doesn't burn!). Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole be frozen for up to 2 months; bake covered at 350°F for 1.5 hours, then uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Use cream cheese melted into the sauce to create a creamy texture that coats the pasta evenly.
- Broiling just before serving develops a golden crust on the mozzarella topping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 473kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 69mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1173mg | 49% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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