Gyro Casserole
Transform your dinner routine with this irresistible Gyro Casserole, a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and comforting casserole goodness. Featuring layers of tender ground lamb or beef infused with aromatic spices like oregano, cumin, and coriander, this dish is topped with creamy homemade tzatziki sauce and melty mozzarella or tangy feta cheese. A base of pita bread soaks up all the savory goodness, while optional toppings like cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives add bursts of vibrant flavor. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make casserole brings a delicious twist to traditional gyro flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with a crowd. Serve it with a crisp side salad for a complete, Mediterranean-inspired meal the whole family will love! Keywords: Gyro Casserole, Mediterranean casserole recipe, easy dinner ideas, Greek-inspired dish, tzatziki casserole.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 medium english cucumber, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 4 pieces pita bread, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 0.5 cup sliced kalamata olives (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes for the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
In a small mixing bowl, make the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), and chopped dill. Stir to blend and set aside.
Layer the casserole: Place the quartered pita pieces in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground meat mixture evenly over the pita pieces.
Dollop the prepared tzatziki sauce over the meat layer, spreading gently with a spatula to cover.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or feta cheese evenly over the top. If desired, scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives on top for added color and flavor.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a side salad or enjoy on its own for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3015 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 185.1 g | 237% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.4 g | 387% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 547 mg | 182% | |
| Sodium | 6333 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 176.5 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 183.0 g | 366% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2285 mg | 176% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 2648 mg | 56% | |
*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.
