Description
This One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake combines the flavors of classic Greek gyros with comforting baked pasta. Featuring ground lamb seasoned with cumin and oregano, a creamy cucumber dill sauce made from Greek yogurt, and topped with feta cheese, this dish is a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 300 g penne pasta
- 400 g ground lamb
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Spices & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Dairy & Sauce
- 200 ml Greek yogurt
- 100 ml milk
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 80 g sliced black olives
- 120 g crumbled feta cheese
- Extra feta cheese or shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it is ready for baking the pasta later.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Lamb: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the ground lamb along with ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the lamb is fully browned and cooked through.
- Par-cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water for about 6 minutes until it is slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside so it does not overcook in the oven.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, grated and drained cucumber, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the par-cooked penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the browned lamb mixture in the skillet. Pour the creamy yogurt sauce over everything and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Sprinkle extra feta or shredded mozzarella on top for added richness.
- Bake: Place the skillet or Dutch oven in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Greek Gyro Pasta Bake.
Notes
- Par-cooking the pasta helps prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Grating and squeezing the cucumber removes excess moisture, keeping the sauce creamy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to cook and bake everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup.
- Additional mozzarella can be used for a more melty, cheesy topping if preferred.
- The recipe can be adjusted for spiciness by adding chili flakes or paprika to the lamb seasoning.
