Greek Spaghetti Casserole

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this irresistible Greek Spaghetti Casserole, a layered masterpiece bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures. This recipe combines tender spaghetti coated in a creamy, nutmeg-infused béchamel sauce with a spiced ground beef filling featuring warm hints of cinnamon, oregano, and garlic. Topped with a delectable blend of crumbled feta and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole emerges golden-bubbled and fragrant, offering a perfect harmony of savory and creamy. Easy to prepare in under 90 minutes, this dish brings a Mediterranean twist to classic comfort food, making it an unforgettable dinner centerpiece for your family or guests. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch! Perfect for fans of Greek cuisine and hearty pasta bakes, this recipe is sure to earn a top spot at your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 yolks egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the cinnamon, oregano, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the egg yolks, nutmeg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 9

Take half of the béchamel sauce and stir it into the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.

Step 10

Spread half of the spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the beef mixture, followed by half of the feta cheese. Layer the remaining spaghetti on top, then pour the rest of the béchamel sauce evenly over the casserole.

Step 11

Sprinkle the top with the remaining feta cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 13

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2407.8 grams (2407.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3551

Total Fat 231.50g	297%
Saturated Fat 107.60g	538%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 1028mg	343%
Sodium 5675mg	247%
Total Carbohydrate 208.80g	76%
Dietary Fiber 17.60g	63%
Total Sugars 60.60g
Protein 174.20g	348%

Vitamin D 358IU	1791%
Calcium 2005mg	154%
Iron 19mg	104%
Potassium 3956mg	84%

*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: 57.6%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 23.1%