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!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced kalamata olives.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy this hearty Greek Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1846.8 grams (1846.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4146

Total Fat 222.10g	285%
Saturated Fat 91.10g	456%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.90g
Cholesterol 708mg	236%
Sodium 9835mg	428%
Total Carbohydrate 309.10g	112%
Dietary Fiber 30.10g	108%
Total Sugars 27.20g
Protein 237.00g	474%

Vitamin D 18IU	90%
Calcium 2307mg	177%
Iron 31mg	171%
Potassium 3864mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.8%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 29.6%