Name: Delicious Gyro Casserole with Sheep's Cheese: Simple and Flavorful
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound ground lamb; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons dried marjoram; 1 teaspoon ground dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt; 1 pound pasta (such as macaroni or penne); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated sheep’s cheese (such as Pecorino Romano or Manchego)

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If you love the bold flavors of Greek cuisine, then this Gyro Casserole with Sheep’s Cheese is going to be your new favorite dish. Imagine all the delicious components of a gyro—tender seasoned meat, warm pita, tangy tzatziki, and creamy cheese—all baked into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gyro Casserole is everything you love about a classic gyro, but with a twist. Instead of assembling individual gyros, we’ve combined all the ingredients into one big, hearty dish that’s even easier to serve. The sheep’s cheese adds a rich, creamy touch, while the savory meat and spices take your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it’s all baked together to create a satisfying, comforting meal.

Ingredients (partial list – full list below)

Ground lamb or beef (or a mix of both)
Pita bread, torn into pieces
Sheep’s cheese (such as feta or a similar variety)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomatoes, diced

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you plenty of time to prep everything and get the casserole ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (oregano, cumin, and paprika work great).

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Tear the pita bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Top with the cooked meat mixture, then add the diced tomatoes and crumbled sheep’s cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint if you like. Serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping, and you’re all set!

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb or beef.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and color.
If you can’t find sheep’s cheese, feta is a great substitute, but look for one made with sheep’s milk for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can swap the pita bread for flatbreads or even tortillas if that’s what you have on hand.
Add a drizzle of tahini or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a burst of freshness.
If you want a spicier version, try adding chili flakes or some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Gyro Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh Greek salad—think cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a little olive oil. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or French fries for a more filling meal. And of course, don’t forget the tzatziki sauce—it’s the perfect cooling complement to the warm, savory casserole.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While sheep’s cheese (like feta) is traditional, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella for a different twist.

2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the meat and use a combination of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Gyro Casserole with Sheep’s Cheese brings the delicious flavors of a classic gyro into a super simple, one-pan dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!

Delicious Gyro Casserole with Sheep’s Cheese: Simple and Flavorful

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A delightful fusion of traditional Greek flavors, this casserole combines seasoned gyro meat with pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with rich sheep’s cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Instructions

Prepare the Gyro Meat:
- In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely chopped. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel, gather the ends, and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained onion with the ground lamb, ground beef, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, dried marjoram, ground dried rosemary, ground dried thyme, ground black pepper, and fine sea salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture back to the food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and has a tacky texture, about 1 minute.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring there are no air pockets.
- Place the loaf pan in a roasting pan lined with a damp kitchen towel. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 1 to 1¼ hours, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven, drain any accumulated fat, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly.
Prepare the Casserole:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced gyro meat and sauté until browned and heated through.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed gyro meat, sour cream, heavy cream, and half of the grated sheep’s cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated sheep’s cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Gyro Casserole with Sheep’s Cheese!

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gyro meat mixture.
If sheep’s cheese is unavailable, a good quality feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
This casserole pairs well with a fresh Greek salad and warm pita bread.