Description
This One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake combines the rich flavors of traditional Greek gyros with a comforting pasta bake. Ground lamb is seasoned with cumin and oregano, then mixed with undercooked penne pasta, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a creamy Greek yogurt sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 300 g penne pasta
- 400 g ground lamb
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 200 ml Greek yogurt
- 100 ml milk
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Additional Ingredients
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 80 g sliced black olives
- 120 g crumbled feta cheese
- Extra feta cheese or shredded mozzarella for topping
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Lamb: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened. Add the ground lamb, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking until the lamb is fully browned and fragrant.
- Par-cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water for about 6 minutes, so it is slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, grated and squeezed cucumber, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir this mixture until smooth to create a tangy, creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the par-cooked penne, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the skillet with the cooked lamb. Pour in the prepared yogurt sauce and toss everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Top the mixture with extra feta cheese or shredded mozzarella for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and, if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Greek gyro pasta bake!
Notes
- Using slightly undercooked pasta ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
- Grate and squeeze cucumber well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
- You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the lamb and increase feta and vegetables.
- Adding fresh parsley at the end enhances flavor and presentation.
