Pasticho
A rich and comforting Venezuelan take on lasagna, featuring layers of tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella cheese. Often enjoyed as a festive Christmas dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500g Lasagna sheets(Use no-boil or regular lasagna sheets. If using regular, cook according to package directions until al dente.)
- 750g Ground beef(80/20 blend is recommended for flavor.)
- 1 large Onion(Finely chopped.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 3 cups (approx. 700ml) Tomato sauce(Good quality, plain tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste(Adds depth of flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black pepper
- 1/2 cup (113g) Butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) All-purpose flour
- 4 cups (approx. 1 liter) Milk(Whole milk for richness.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg(Freshly grated is best.)
- 300g Mozzarella cheese(Shredded, low-moisture.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese(Grated, for topping.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off excess fat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 3
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld. The sauce should thicken slightly.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Do not let it brown.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-8 minutes).
⏱️ 8 minutes - 6
Remove béchamel from heat. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. If using regular lasagna sheets, cook them now according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
⏱️ N/A - 8
Assemble the pasticho: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Top with about one-third of the remaining meat sauce, then one-third of the béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 9
Repeat the layering process two more times: pasta, meat sauce, béchamel, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of pasta, topped generously with the remaining béchamel sauce and the grated Parmesan cheese.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 10
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (you can grease the underside of the foil to prevent sticking). Bake for 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 11
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the pasticho rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set.
⏱️ 20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer flavor, let the meat sauce simmer for longer, up to 1-2 hours on very low heat.
- ✓Pasticho is often considered even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
- ✓Ensure your béchamel is smooth and lump-free for a creamy texture. If it does get lumpy, you can strain it.
- ✓A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top before serving adds a nice touch of color.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced cooked ham between layers for an extra savory element.
- Incorporate sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into the meat sauce.
- Use a mix of cheeses, such as provolone or Gruyère, along with mozzarella.