Indulge in a scrumptious twist on traditional lasagna by adding Greek flavors to create a mouthwatering dish. Layers of lasagna noodles, ground beef seasoned with Mediterranean spices, creamy béchamel sauce, and tangy feta cheese come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. This Greek lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. Impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy the taste of Greece in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (9 ounces) no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- For the béchamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for a minute until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Season the sauce with salt and ground nutmeg, then remove it from the heat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, breaking them if necessary to fit.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with some grated mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous amount of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the Greek lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Greek lasagna hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Interesting Facts
Greek lasagna, also known as pastitsio, is a traditional Greek baked pasta dish.
The use of feta cheese adds a unique tangy flavor to the lasagna.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers to the meat sauce.