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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Gyro Meat:

  • 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
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

For the Casserole:

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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