A Taste of Greece: Pastitsio from The HOME Project

Pastitsio is a classic Greek comfort dish often prepared in homes across Greece. At The HOME Project, it is a familiar meal that brings warmth, routine, and a sense of home to the children living there.

This baked pasta dish is layered, filling, and meant to be shared.

Ingredients

• Pasta (such as penne or bucatini)

• Ground beef or plant-based alternative

• Onion, finely chopped

• Tomato sauce

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Cinnamon or allspice (optional, traditional)

For the béchamel topping

• Butter

• Flour

• Milk

• Nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.

2. In a pan, sauté onion in olive oil. Add ground meat and cook until browned.

3. Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and a small pinch of cinnamon or allspice.

4. In a separate pot, make the béchamel by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk until smooth and thickened.

5. Layer pasta and meat sauce in a baking dish, then spread béchamel on top.

6. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 40 minutes, until golden.