If you love Greek food, you’re going to absolutely adore this gyros casserole. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the savory flavors of a classic gyro without the fuss of grilling. Plus, the creamy feta cheese adds a rich, tangy bite that ties everything together perfectly. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and a big hit with the family. You’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This gyros casserole combines the best of both worlds: a comforting casserole dish with the delicious flavors of a traditional gyro. With seasoned lamb (or chicken), juicy tomatoes, onions, and creamy feta cheese, this dish is a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to please. The best part? It’s so simple to put together. Just toss everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work!
Ingredients
While I’m not listing the full list of ingredients here, you’ll find everything you need below in the full ingredient section. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need:
- Ground lamb or chicken
- Feta cheese
- Fresh vegetables like onions and tomatoes
- Gyro seasoning or your own homemade spice mix
You’ll find the complete list and measurements in the section below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients. If you’re using ground lamb or chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed. Dice the onions and tomatoes, and crumble the feta cheese. You’ll want everything ready to go so the assembly process is a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb or chicken and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and season it with a bit of salt, pepper, and your gyro seasoning (or make your own with a blend of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika). Stir everything together so the meat is nicely coated with the spices.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once your meat is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish. Layer it with your chopped onions and tomatoes, then crumble a generous amount of feta cheese on top. You’ll want to make sure every bite gets that tangy feta goodness. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can add a bit of tzatziki sauce into the mix for an even more authentic gyro taste.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly and the cheese has started to melt. The casserole should be golden and delicious when you pull it out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve it up with some fresh pita bread or a simple salad to make it a full meal. You won’t believe how easy and tasty this dish is!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make this casserole even heartier, add a layer of cooked rice or orzo at the bottom of the baking dish. It’ll help absorb the delicious juices and give the casserole extra texture.
- For a low-carb version, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice, or just skip it altogether and focus on the meat and veggies.
- If you love extra cheesy dishes, sprinkle a little more feta or even mozzarella on top before baking for a gooey, melty finish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat: Feel free to use ground chicken, turkey, or beef instead of lamb. Each will bring a different flavor, but they’re all delicious in their own way.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can use goat cheese or even a mild mozzarella. These will change the flavor slightly but still work wonderfully in this casserole.
- Veggies: Want more veggies? Add some bell peppers, zucchini, or olives to the casserole for extra color and flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This gyros casserole is already quite filling on its own, but there are a few perfect pairings to complete your meal:
- Pita bread: Serve this casserole with warm, soft pita bread for a true Mediterranean experience.
- Greek salad: A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, red onions, and a simple lemon-oregano dressing pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- Tzatziki sauce: Don’t forget the tzatziki! This creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce will take your gyros casserole to the next level.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
- Reheating: When reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a rush.
4 FAQs
- Can I use beef instead of lamb for the casserole?
Yes, absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if you’re not a fan of lamb. It’s a little less fatty but still packed with flavor. - Can I freeze this gyros casserole?
Yes, you can! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. - What kind of seasoning should I use for the meat?
Gyro seasoning usually contains a mix of garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, and onion powder. You can buy it pre-made, or easily make your own at home! - Can I add more veggies to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure they’re chopped small so they cook evenly in the casserole.
Conclusion
This gyros casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the great flavors of a gyro into one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win every time. Happy cooking!
Print
Delicious Gyros Casserole with Feta Cheese – Simple, Delicious
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This hearty and flavorful gyros casserole combines all the best elements of classic Greek gyros: tender seasoned meat, tangy feta cheese, and savory vegetables, all baked into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a combination of both)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (or orzo pasta)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked rice (or orzo pasta) at the bottom.
- Top with the cooked meat mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and olives on top of the meat.
- Spread the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Dot the top with spoonfuls of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or turkey as a lighter alternative to beef or lamb.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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