Take a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this delectable Greek-style lamb and macaroni casserole, a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the vibrant spirit of Greek cuisine. This casserole combines succulent lamb, tender macaroni, and a symphony of Mediterranean herbs and spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover the secrets to crafting this comforting casserole, from selecting the perfect cut of lamb to mastering the art of layering the ingredients for optimal flavor distribution. Unravel the culinary secrets of this classic Greek dish and embark on a delightful gastronomic adventure.
In addition to the main lamb and macaroni casserole recipe, this article also features a delectable array of complementary dishes to complete your Greek-inspired feast. Indulge in the tangy and refreshing tzatziki sauce, a yogurt-based sauce infused with cucumber, garlic, and dill, perfect for drizzling over the casserole or serving as a dip for pita bread. Explore the vibrant flavors of Greek salad, a colorful medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty vinaigrette dressing. Satisfy your sweet cravings with the classic Greek dessert, baklava, layers of crispy filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup, a perfect ending to your Greek culinary adventure.
GREEK PASTA BAKE
My mom taught me to cook, and I love creating new recipes. I developed this casserole on a cold and snowy afternoon many years ago. Tangy lemon and herbs are complemented by the subtle sweetness of cinnamon. -Carol Stevens, Basye, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large skillet, cook beef and lamb over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper and thyme. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Stir in sugar and cinnamon. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes longer., Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Stir into meat mixture. , Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Cover and bake at 325° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.,
Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 840mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
PASTITSIO
Pastitsio is a layered Greek casserole of macaroni and seasoned ground lamb, topped with a thick cream sauce. This version substitutes beef in place of the lamb to suit American tastes.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Time 6h10m
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, and cook until crumbly and no longer pink. Pour in the water and tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon; cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, adjust salt to taste, then refrigerate until cold. Once cold, remove any congealed fat, and thoroughly mix with 2 beaten eggs, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, and rinse under cold water to cool. Mix the macaroni in 2 beaten eggs until well coated.
- Evenly spread half of the macaroni mixture into a 11x14x2 inch baking pan, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan cheese, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Spread the meat mixture overtop, then finish with the remaining macaroni. Sprinkle the macaroni with another 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of melted butter.
- Whisk together 4 beaten eggs with the half-and-half, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, flour, and salt; whisk until well blended. Pour the cream mixture evenly over top of the pastitsio, and sprinkle with nutmeg.
- Cover the pan with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake until the top has turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 429.9 calories, Carbohydrate 27.8 g, Cholesterol 179.8 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 27.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 689.7 mg, Sugar 2.9 g
GREEK LAMB WITH NOODLES
I'm sure this has a Greek name but I don't remember it. It is similar to Pastitsio however. My dad was Greek and Mom learned to make a lot of Greek food from his sisters. This was one of his favorites. You can add favorite things like mushrooms, onions, even herbs like basil or oregano. You can use different cheese if you...
Provided by Stephanie Morris
Categories Casseroles
Time 2h40m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Put lamb in a casserole and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and dot with butter. Roast at 350F turning occasionally until browned, about 40 minutes.
- 2. Add tomato sauce and meat broth, continue baking uncovered another 40 minutes till meat is very tender.
- 3. On the stove top cook pasta till aldente, drain. Mix the cooked pasta with the meat in the casserole dish gently. Sprinkle with cheese squares, return to the till cheese melts. Serve while hot.
GREEK STYLE LAMB AND MACARONI CASSEROLE
Credit goes to Ian Hewitson - Huey's Cooking Adventures. (An Aussie cooking show) A little fiddley...but worth it! And economical too. Served with some green beans on the side, or on its own, its a complete meal. You can use beef mince but lamb works best.
Provided by Tomboy
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cook Macaroni in the usual way until not quite tender.
- Drain and toss in a dash of olive oil.
- Leave aside.
- Saute the vegetables and garlic for three minutes.
- Add mince and brown.
- Add tomatoes and tomato sauce along with the water and crumbled stock cube and dried herbs.
- Simmer for 30 minutes or until liquid is reduced.
- Place half of the macaroni into the bottom of a deep casserole dish.
- Sprinkle over some grated cheese.
- Now layer half the meat/veg mix over macaroni, followed by remaining noodles, more cheese, then remaining meat/veg mix.
- Spoon the cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake 220 deg celsius 20- 25 minutes.
- To make cheese sauce: Melt the margarine.
- Stir in flour.
- Blend in milk.
- Cook for three minutes stirring often.
- Stir in grated cheese til melted.
GREEK MACARONI BAKE
Don't let the the word Greek in macaroni bake scare you. This dish is awesome. My mother (God rest her soul) used to make this dish for me and my brother all the time. Just gotta try it!
Provided by KBDiStasio
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 1h15m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Brown beef and onions. Drain fat. Stir in next 3 ingredients. Set aside.
- In med. saucepan, combine next 2 ingredients. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over med. heat until mixture thickens (DO NOT BOIL).
- Beat next 3 ingredients. Gradually stir in sauce. Add macaroni. Spoon 1/2 macaroni mixture into 2-quart casserole dish. Cover with meat mixture and top with remaining macaroni.
- Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.1, Fat 17, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 91.4, Sodium 562.5, Carbohydrate 59.8, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 5.7, Protein 22.5
MAKARONIA ME FETA - MACARONI AND FETA
Different macaroni casserole, Greek style from Greek With Gusto! Croutons should be prepared in advance and can be stored in a covered container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Provided by Debi9400
Categories Greek
Time 1h5m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain, toss with melted butter and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta. Set aside.
- Lightly oil a 9 x 13 casserole, sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of feta and half the croutons. Spread the macaroni mixtuer over this and top with remaining croutons.
- Beat egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl beat egg yolks lightly. Fold egg yolks into egg whites. Stir in milk, pour mixture over macaroni.
- Sprinkle with remaining feta and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- To Prepare Croutons:.
- Cut half a loaf of day old bread into small bits and toss in a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp of butter. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes at 250°F Store, in covered container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 762.8, Fat 34.7, SaturatedFat 20.4, Cholesterol 283.6, Sodium 943.5, Carbohydrate 80.5, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 4.8, Protein 30.9
Tips for Making the Best Greek-Style Lamb and Macaroni Casserole:
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, flavorful lamb and macaroni. Look for a lamb that is well-marbled and has a deep red color. The macaroni should be a high-quality pasta that will hold its shape when cooked.
- Brown the lamb: Browning the lamb before adding it to the casserole helps to develop its flavor and make it more tender. Be sure to brown the lamb in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until it is well-browned on all sides.
- Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really brings this casserole together. Use a sauce that is rich and flavorful, such as a tomato-based sauce or a creamy bechamel sauce. You can also add herbs and spices to the sauce to give it more flavor.
- Layer the casserole correctly: The order in which you layer the ingredients in the casserole is important. Start with a layer of sauce, then add the macaroni, then the lamb, and then top it off with another layer of sauce. This will help to ensure that the casserole is evenly cooked and that the flavors meld together.
- Bake the casserole until it is bubbly and golden brown: The casserole should be baked until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes. You can check the casserole for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the casserole is done.
Conclusion:
Greek-style lamb and macaroni casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a casserole that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, give this Greek-style lamb and macaroni casserole a try.
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