Greek Pasta Bake
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty Greek Pasta Bake! Tender penne pasta is layered with a spiced, savory ground lamb sauce infused with cinnamon and oregano for a distinctive Greek flair. Briny slices of Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and melted mozzarella create a perfect balance of bold and creamy textures, while fresh parsley adds a pop of brightness. Baked to golden, bubbling perfection, this casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Pair it with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to complete the Mediterranean dining experience. Perfectly satisfying and easy to assemble, this Greek-inspired recipe will transport your taste buds with every delightful bite!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 340 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 450 grams ground lamb
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 120 grams kalamata olives, sliced
- 150 grams crumbled feta cheese
- 200 grams grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend to ensure it remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the lamb. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced kalamata olives.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with half of the feta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Toss to distribute evenly.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the lamb sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and lamb sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy this hearty Greek Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4146 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 222.1 g | 285% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.1 g | 456% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 708 mg | 236% | |
| Sodium | 9835 mg | 428% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 309.1 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.1 g | 108% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.2 g | ||
| Protein | 237.0 g | 474% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 2307 mg | 177% | |
| Iron | 30.8 mg | 171% | |
| Potassium | 3864 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
