Greek Casserole Recipes

GREEK CHICKEN ORZO CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix tomatoes, spinach, about half of the cheese, the olive oil and oregano; stir in cooked pasta. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Drizzle broth over pasta mixture. In same bowl, mix chicken and seasoning until well coated. Place chicken pieces over orzo mixture; cover with foil.
• Bake 45 minutes; remove foil, top with remaining cheese. Bake 4 to 5 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Top with grated lemon peel and green onions.

PASTITSIO RECIPE (GREEK PASTA BAKE)

Steps:

• Make the meat sauce: Heat a deep pan over high heat and add the oil and the minced beef. Let it brown, without stirring, and when the meat is no longer red, stir with a wooden spatula and break any meat lumps. Cook until all the juices have evaporated, reduce heat to medium/high and add the onion the carrot, the bay leaves, the cinnamon stick, the allspice and the cloves. Stir for 5 minutes and add the wine. Wait for 1 minute for the alcohol to evaporate and add the tomato paste, the pureed tomatoes, the sugar, the salt and the pepper. When it starts to boil again, reduce heat to low and simmer until almost all of the liquids have evaporated (about 30 minutes). Remove and discard the bay leaves and the cinnamon stick.
• In the meantime, make the pasta: Cook the pasta in a pot with salted water, until al dente, according to the packaging directions.
• Drain the pasta well, mix in the grated cheese and transfer about two-thirds of the pasta to the casserole dish. Level with a spoon and cover with the meat sauce. Level the meat sauce with the back of a spoon and spread the rest of the pasta uniformly over the meat.
• Preheat your oven to 374°F (190°C)
• Make the béchamel sauce: Cook the flour with the oil in a large pot stirring continuously with a whisk until it starts to smell nutty. Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon, the nutmeg, and the salt. Whisk to combine and add the warm milk gradually, whisking constantly to prevent it from forming any lumps. At first it will thicken, but as you continue to add the milk it will loosen up. When all the milk is added, return to the stove and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens. When it starts to bubble, remove from the heat and let it sit on your counter for 5 minutes to cool a little. Add 1 cup of the grated cheese and the eggs and whisk quickly to combine.
• Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta, level with a spatula and sprinkle the surface with the remaining grated cheese.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown with dark spots all over the surface. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing for easier serving. Eat!

MOUSSAKA: EGGPLANT CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Salt the eggplant. Spread the eggplant slices in one layer and sprinkle with salt. Let set for 30 minutes to "sweat out" its bitterness.
• Turn the broiler of your oven on.
• Prepare a large sheet pan or two and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Pat the eggplant slices dry, removing excess salt, and assemble in one layer on the prepared pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
• Place the sheet pan about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil the eggplant briefly, turning over so that both sides are softened and golden brown (do not worry if parts of the eggplant are slightly charred, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Prepare the meat sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onions on medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). Now add the ground lamb. Cook the lamb until fully browned, tossing regularly. Drain the lamb from any excess fat and return to the skillet. Add the dried oregano, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and hot paprika. Stir to coat the meat with the spices. Add the wine and boil for 1 minute to reduce. Stir in the canned tomatoes, sugar, and broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and work on the bechamel.
• Make the bechamel. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan and stir into the bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more. (You should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce.)
• Assemble the moussaka. When ready, lightly oil a 9 ½" x 13" oven-safe baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add the meat sauce and spread well. Add the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the bechamel on top and spread to cover all the eggplant, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
• Bake. Bake the moussaka casserole on the center rack of the heated oven for 45 minutes. If you need to, transfer the baking pan to the top rack and broil briefly so that the top of the moussaka gains a nice golden brown color (watch carefully).
• Remove from the heat and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting through into squares to serve. Enjoy!

TUNA CASSEROLE WITH ORZO, EGGPLANT & FETA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a 1 1/2-quart au gratin dish with cooking spray; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly coat both sides of each eggplant slice with cooking spray. Place coated eggplant slices in the prepared baking pan. Add sweet pepper quarters to pan with eggplant slices. Roast, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until eggplant begins to brown and peppers are just tender. Remove from oven; let cool. Cut eggplant and pepper pieces into 3/4-inch cubes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
• For lemon dressing, in a small bowl whisk together olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the lemon peel, the lemon juice and garlic. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of the oregano, the salt and black pepper; set aside. In another small bowl combine panko, the remaining 1 tablespoon oregano and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel; set aside.
• In a large bowl combine cooked orzo, eggplant, sweet pepper, tuna, artichoke hearts, olives and feta cheese. Stir in the lemon dressing. Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake in the 350 degrees F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle panko mixture over top. Bake, uncovered, for 5 to 8 minutes more or until panko mixture is golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges.

GREEK-STYLE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the eggplant, potatoes, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet. Sauté the onion and ground beef in the same skillet over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Add tomatoes, chick peas, and the reserved eggplant mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Garnish with grated cheese just before serving. Serve with a green salad. VARIATION: For a gourmet version, transfer the casserole to a gratin dish. Top with thick béchamel cheese sauce and broil. Opa! CHEF'S TIP: If you can't find Indian eggplant, you can use another eggplant variety.

GREEK CASSEROLE

Steps:

• First make the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened without browning. Add the meat, tomato sauce, cinnamon, and some salt and white pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Melt the butter in another saucepan. Whisk in the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook, stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, a bit of salt if required, some white pepper and a grating of fresh nutmeg. Set aside and keep warm.
• Cook the macaroni in lightly salted boiling water until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well. Return to the pot. Stir in half of the butter and then, using a wooden spoon and working quickly, briskly stir in the beaten egg. (It should not cook if you do it quickly.)
• Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Butter a shallow 1 litre/1 Qt baking dish.
• Layer as follows into the dish, 1/2 the macaroni, all of the meat sauce, 1/2 of the grated cheddar, the remaining macaroni, and the cream sauce. Shake a bit to allow the cream sauce to sink a bit. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Serve hot.

GREEK CASSEROLE WITH GROUND MEAT

Steps:

• Rinse eggplant, cut off ends and cut into about 0.5 cm (approximately 1/4-inch) thick slices. Sprinkle each with a little salt and leave for about 15 minutes to draw out water. Then pat dry. Heat 1-2 tablespoons oil in a hot pan fry the eggplant slices in portions until golden brown on both sides, 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• For the meat sauce, peel the onion and chop finely. Scald the tomatoes, rinse in cold water, peel, quarter, core and dice finely. Cook the onions in 1-2 tablespoons oil until translucent and mix in the ground meat. Cook until meat is crumbly and the liquid evaporates. Deglaze with wine and add tomatoes. Season with salt, sugar, pepper, cinnamon and oregano and simmer about 10 minutes until the liquid is again almost completely evaporated. Then take the pan from the heat and allow the meat to cool. Mix with half of the grated cheese, 1 egg and breadcrumbs.
• Melt butter in a pan and stir in the flour. Cook briefly while stirring (do not brown) and pour in the milk gradually. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened while stirring, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Whisk the remaining cheese with the remaining egg and stir the mixture into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and lemon juice.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (approximately 350°F) convection.
• Brush a baking dish with butter and line the bottom half with the eggplant. Top with ground beef filling over it and it spread the remaining eggplant slices on top. As a final layer, pour the béchamel sauce over and bake until golden brown, about 1 hour. If the crust is too dark, cover the dish with aluminum foil.

CRISPY GREEK CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH CREAMY LEMON SAUCE

Steps:

• To prepare this Greek chicken casserole recipe, divide the chicken into 8 portions (leave the skin on), rinse and pat dry using a paper towel. Heat a large pan on medium high heat; add the olive oil and the chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side, until slightly coloured.
• Into a small bowl add a glass of hot water, the mustard and the lemon juice and mix.
• Pour into the pan along with the rest of the ingredients, put the lid on and turn the heat up. As soon as it comes to a boil turn the heat down and simmer for 50-60 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
• Traditionally Greek chicken casserole is cooked without colouring, and looks more like boiled chicken. Personally I prefer it crispy. if you do too, after cooking the chicken, transfer into a hot pan and fry each side, just a little bit for that crispy skin flavour.
• Serve with some basmati rice or potatoes. If you choose to serve with rice, lift up the flavor by adding 2-3 tbsps of the chicken juices into the boiling rice.

GREEK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook sausage, green pepper and shallot over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles, 8-10 minutes; drain. Transfer mixture to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with artichokes, broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes., In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, milk and seasonings until blended; pour over top. Sprinkle with feta., Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool baked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake casserole as directed until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

GREEK EGG CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat another pan over medium heat. Cook spinach until heated through, about 5 minutes. Drain.
• Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until well combined and foamy. Add the onions, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese and stir to combine. Pour egg mixture into the prepared dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until eggs are set, 30 to 35 minutes.

GROUND BEEF GREEK CASSEROLE

Steps:

• In a large skillet add the beef,onion and garlic until meat is browned and onion is tender.Drain off the fat.Add the tomatoes,1/4 teaspoon salt,pepper and cinnamon.Simmer for 15 minutes.Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese and macaroni.
• In a 12x8x2 glass casserole dish add the mixture and set aside.In a sauce pan or the skillet melt the butter,blend in the flour and remaining1/4 teaspoon salt.Stir in the milk and cook for about 5 minutes stirring all the time or until sauce is thick.Cool slightly.
• Beat the eggs one at a time.Stir in the remaining1/4 cup cheese and pour over the meat mixture. Place in a preheated oven at 375 and bake for 30-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

GREEK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Coat 13x9-inch baking dish with oil. Add potatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms and season with garlic powder. Bake 15 minutes, or until just tender. Remove from heat.
• Mix eggs and milk in large mixing bowl. Stir in kale, feta, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and pepper. Pour over baked vegetables and bake 20-25 minutes, or until set.

GREEK OMELETTE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Chop the fresh herbs and artichoke salad.
• Set a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the spinach and garlic until wilted, about 3 minutes.
• Oil a 9x13 inch baking dish and layer the spinach and artichoke salad evenly in the dish.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, herbs, salt and lemon pepper.
• Pour the egg mixture over vegetables and sprinkle with feta cheese. Bake in the center of the oven for 35-40 minutes until firm in the center.

MOUSSAKA - GREEK CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Potatoes:.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Toss the potatoes with the olive oil in a large bowl.
• Put them in a single layer on a baking sheet and season to taste.
• Roast until soft and starting to brown, about 35 minutes.
• Béchamel Sauce:.
• In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add flour and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes until it starts bubbling but does not color.
• Gradually whisk in the hot milk.
• Continue whisking for about 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens.
• Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
• Put the eggs in a large bowl.
• Whisk the béchamel sauce into the eggs.
• Continue whisking for a few minutes until the béchamel has cooled slightly (enough so that the eggs won't curdle).
• Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
• Make sure to place wrap directly on the surface of the sauce so a skin does not form.
• Set aside.
• Lamb:.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
• Add lamb and sauté until cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 6 minutes.
• Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes.
• Add wine, cayenne pepper, and oregano and cook 2 minutes.
• Stir in cinnamon, tomatoes, tomato paste and nutmeg.
• Reduce heat to medium.
• Cover and simmer until sauce is very thick and reduced to about 6 cups, stirring occasionally, about 60-70 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, preheat the grill on medium-high heat.
• Brush the eggplant slices with oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Grill until cooked through and golden, about 2 minutes per side.
• Set aside.
• To Assemble:.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Coat a 14x10x2-inch glass baking dish with oil.
• Arrange potatoes in bottom of dish.
• Arrange half of eggplant slices over potatoes.
• Pour half of lamb sauce over.
• Arrange another layer of eggplant slices on top.
• Pour remaining sauce over.
• Pour béchamel sauce over moussaka, covering completely.
• Bake moussaka uncovered until bubbling around edges, about 1 hour or until topping is softly set and browned.
• Transfer baking dish to rack and let rest 20 minutes before slicing.

VEGETARIAN MOUSSAKA - CLASSIC GREEK CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Slice up your eggplant, then sprinkle it with a salt and leave it for 30 minutes. Pat it dry. Next brush with olive oil on both sides, place on baking sheet, season with pepper and roast on 400F for 12-15 minutes, until soft; Remove from the oven and let them cool;
• Slice up your zucchini, and season with salt and pepper. Brush with oil on both sides, and place on baking sheet and bake with eggplants for about 12-15 minutes; Remove from the oven and let them cool;
• Peel and slice potatoes and cook them in a slightly salted boiling water until fork tender for about 10 minutes; place them in a colander to discard the water and let them cool;
• To prepare your spinach/feta layer, start off by chopping some onions and garlic;
• In a skillet, heat up the olive oil, add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, until translucent;
• Add garlic and cook for an additional minute;
• Add spinach and let it cook down until totally wilted;
• Then add fresh dill, salt, and pepper and set aside to cool off. This would be the time to adjust seasoning, but be careful with the salt as feta will add some saltiness to this mix.
• In a bowl beat 2 eggs, add feta, salt, and pepper;
• Once the spinach mixture is cooled, add it to the bowl, mix everything together and set it aside.
• To make a tomato sauce you'll start off the same way as above with spinach/feta layer:
• Heat up some olive oil, add onions and cook until translucent;
• Add garlic and cook for one more minute;
• Then add spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, & oregano;
• Add pureed tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Then cover and cook for approximately 20 minutes;
• Adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed.
• In a skillet, melt butter; then add flour and whisk vigorously;
• Gradually start adding milk and mixing it in, until the sauce is smooth;
• Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg;
• Turn off the heat;
• Add Parmesan cheese and mix well;
• This would be the time to check for seasoning and adjust accordingly;
• Beat 2 eggs and 1 egg yolk and add them to the béchamel sauce, mixing thoroughly.
• Preheat the oven to 350F;
• Using a 9X13" casserole dish, brush it with olive oil or spray with cooking spray;
• Add slices of eggplant and top them with slices of zucchinis;
• Then add tomato sauce;
• Add another layer of eggplant;
• Add a layer of spinach/feta mix;
• Add sliced potatoes;
• Top it all of with your béchamel sauce;
• Sprinkle it with some more Parmesan Cheese;
• Bake it in the oven for 50-55, minutes until golden brown and bubbly;
• Let it cool off for about 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

CONTEST-WINNING GREEK PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, tomatoes, spinach, olives, onion, green pepper, basil and oregano. , Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake, uncovered, at 400° until heated through and cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with oregano or basil. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

GREEK NOODLE CASSEROLE (PASTITSIO)

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the noodles until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
• Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the lamb, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and mint. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• For the sauce: Simmer the milk and cream over medium heat in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheese and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the yogurt.
• Add the meat sauce to the pasta and toss well until the noodles are coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Spoon the cheese sauce evenly on top and bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped mint if using, and serve.

GREEK PASTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• In a large pot, brown ground beef until cooked through and juiced run clear.
• Add onion, garlic, oregano, basil, pepper and thyme. Cook over medium heat for two minutes.
• Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, lemon juice and sugar and stir in. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
• Stir in pasta and ¾ cup feta cheese.
• Place in a 9x13 inch casserole dish and garnish with ¼ cup feta cheese.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.

GREEK LAMB CASSEROLE RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a casserole dish and fry the lamb until browned all over. Browning the meat first will really seal its flavour and prevent it from drying out. Cook on a high heat in small batches for just a few minutes, until browned. Set to one side.
• Add the onions and peppers and cook for 5 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further 2 mins. Pour in the red wine, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 mins.
• Add the tomatoes, stock, tomato paste and oregano. Return the lamb to the pan. Bring to the boil, cover and cook for at least 20 mins.
• About 5 mins before the end of the cooking time, stir in the olives. Serve with garlic bread.

GREEK BEEF CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 140C 120C/fan Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and brown the meat in batches, transfer to casserole dish. Season te flour and srinkle over the meat toss so that the meat is coated, put in the oven uncovered whilst you cook the onions.
• Heat the remaining oil in the pan and cook the onions over a low heat until they're soft an turning golden.
• Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, add the vinegar and simmer stirring for a minute.
• Add the tomatoes and heat until simmering add the honey, cinnamon, cumin and bay leaf.
• Pour the wine into the pan and simmer for a minute, add to the meat with the stock. Cover and cook for 2 hrs