Save to Pinterest One-Pot Greek Gyro Pasta Bake is a Mediterranean comfort dish inspired by classic gyro flavors, bringing together penne pasta baked with spiced ground lamb, tangy feta, tomatoes, olives, and creamy tzatziki-style sauce, all in one pot with a golden crust.
I first tried this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something cozy but with a fresh Greek twist. The aroma of lamb and herbs instantly filled my kitchen, making it a family favorite ever since.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: 300 g (10 oz)
- Ground lamb: 400 g (14 oz)
- Onion: 1 small, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Greek yogurt: 200 ml (¾ cup)
- Milk: 100 ml (⅓ cup)
- Lemon juice: Juice of ½ lemon
- Cucumber: 1, grated and squeezed dry
- Fresh dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes: 200 g (1 cup), halved
- Black olives: 80 g (½ cup), sliced
- Feta cheese: 120 g (1 cup), crumbled
- Extra feta or mozzarella: for topping
- Fresh parsley: optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook the lamb:
- In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground lamb, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Par-cook the pasta:
- Boil penne in salted water for 6 minutes (not fully cooked). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, cucumber, dill, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine all elements:
- Add penne, tomatoes, olives, and feta to the lamb mixture. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Top with extra feta or mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest This bake always brings my family together on weeknights, as everyone loves scooping into the bubbling crust and sharing stories around the table.
Required Tools
Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, mixing bowls, and a grater for cucumber are all you need for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten from pasta and dairy from yogurt, feta, milk, and cheese.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: calories around 580, total fat 32 g, carbohydrates 40 g, protein 30 g.
Save to Pinterest Serve this hearty bake with a simple salad for a complete meal everyone will crave again. It only takes one pot and under an hour to make Greek flavors shine for dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of lamb?
Yes, ground beef or turkey can be swapped for lamb for a milder flavor or dietary preference.
- → How do I keep the sauce from getting watery?
Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber before mixing it into the yogurt sauce.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Add chopped spinach, kale, or roasted peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this dish?
Penne is recommended, but rigatoni or fusilli also hold sauce well and blend nicely with the other ingredients.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta and check all labels for potential gluten content.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead?
You can assemble everything, refrigerate, and bake right before serving for convenience and freshness.