If you love the bold flavors of Greek cuisine combined with the comforting heartiness of pasta, then this One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender ground lamb seasoned with fragrant oregano and cumin, mingled perfectly with creamy Greek yogurt sauce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese—all baked together to bubbling, golden perfection in a single dish. It’s an inviting meal that effortlessly brings all the vibrant tastes of a gyro into a warm, satisfying pasta bake that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup but delivers maximum flavor and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays an essential role in building its delicious texture and flavor. From the hearty ground lamb that provides richness, to the fresh dill and cucumber adding a refreshing touch, these simple ingredients come together like a culinary dream.
- Penne pasta: Slightly undercooked to finish baking perfectly, giving the dish just the right bite.
- Ground lamb: The star protein that brings that unmistakable gyro flavor with juicy tenderness.
- Onion and garlic: Build a flavorful foundation with their natural sweetness and aroma.
- Ground cumin and dried oregano: Classic Greek spices that season the lamb beautifully.
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Milk and lemon juice: Lighten the sauce and brighten the flavors.
- Cucumber and fresh dill: Provide a cooling, herby freshness reminiscent of tzatziki.
- Cherry tomatoes and black olives: Burst with juicy, salty pops throughout the bake.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Infuses the dish with its characteristic tangy, crumbly goodness.
- Extra feta or shredded mozzarella: For a melty, golden topping that’s irresistible.
- Salt and pepper: To season everything just right for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a vibrant green garnish for a fresh finish.
How to Make One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C to get ahead of the baking time. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a little oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. This step sets the aromatic base for the entire dish and ensures every bite has a depth of flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Lamb with Spices
Next, add the ground lamb along with ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the meat until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Browning is key as it intensifies the meat’s flavor while the spices give it that unmistakable gyro vibe.
Step 3: Par-Cook Your Penne Pasta
While the lamb is cooking, boil the penne pasta in salted water for just 6 minutes so it stays al dente. It will finish softening during the bake. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside briefly—this little timing trick keeps the texture perfect.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Yogurt Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, grated and drained cucumber, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. This sauce adds a luscious creaminess with a refreshing tang that complements the lamb and pasta without overpowering them.
Step 5: Combine Everything in the Skillet
Return to your skillet with browned lamb and toss in the par-cooked penne, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour your creamy sauce over everything and stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with those gorgeous flavors.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle extra crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a melty, golden crust. Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and the cheese topping is beautifully browned and inviting.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley if you like. This final touch adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness to the dish.
How to Serve One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra crumbled feta can elevate the presentation and add contrasting freshness. A quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe is satisfying all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a light Greek salad or warm pita bread for authentic Mediterranean flair. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil also complements it perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive gathering, serve this pasta bake in individual cast iron skillets or colorful ramekins for a personal touch. You can also turn it into a layered pasta casserole in a baking dish, adding layers of fresh spinach or sautéed peppers for extra veggie goodness that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it great for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
Freeze the leftover One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to freeze without the fresh parsley garnish, adding it fresh when reheating to keep things bright and fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently in the oven at 180°C until heated through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions but bake it when possible to regain that lovely crust on top.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if lamb isn’t your favorite or hard to find. It will still work wonderfully with the spices and creamy sauce, though lamb does give the most authentic gyro flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground lamb for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for that savory depth. Keep the same spices and sauce for a fantastic vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cook the meat and sauce on the stovetop in any pan, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese topping and baking. Just be careful when transferring to keep everything neat.
What kind of cheese works best for topping?
Feta cheese is traditional and delicious, but shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a lovely gooey crust. You can also mix them for the best of both worlds—tangy and melty.
How long will the pasta bake keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this pasta bake stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Always reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy it at its best.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe is a vibrant, comforting dish packed with all the flavors of a traditional gyro but in an easy, family-friendly format. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty yet exciting without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple it is to bring a little Mediterranean magic into your kitchen. Trust me, this one will be on repeat!
Print
One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake combines tender ground lamb, aromatic spices, and penne pasta topped with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce and melted feta cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a flavorful and hearty meal inspired by traditional Greek gyro flavors, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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
Add-ins and Topping
- 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.
- Sauté Aromatics and Lamb: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the ground lamb along with ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking thoroughly until the lamb is well browned.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water for 6 minutes until slightly undercooked (al dente). Drain the pasta well and set it aside for combining.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, grated and thoroughly squeezed cucumber, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the par-cooked penne, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the browned lamb mixture. Pour the prepared yogurt sauce over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
- Top and Bake: Spread the combined mixture evenly in the skillet or pot. Top with extra crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Greek-inspired pasta bake.
Notes
- Make sure to slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Grate and thoroughly squeeze the cucumber to remove excess moisture so the sauce doesn’t become watery.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for an easy one-pot meal without transferring between dishes.
- You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or chicken for a different protein option.
- Add extra fresh herbs like mint or oregano to enhance the gyro flavor profile.
