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This Greek Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. It's packed with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a trio of cheeses that melt into gooey perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is easy to make and sure to impress. Let's dive into this delicious, comforting recipe!
The name of the recipe: Greek Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup penne or ziti cooked pasta
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Spread ricotta cheese over the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need for This Greek Casserole
Read more: Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Greek Ground Beef Casserole
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base, adding rich flavor and protein to the casserole.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and moisture, helping to create a balanced sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce, adding a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the dish with a classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic note that complements the tomatoes and beef.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, stretchy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a bit of crunch when baked.
- Penne or ziti pasta: Offers a sturdy, chewy texture that holds up well in the casserole.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Greek Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic, ensuring flavors meld perfectly.
- Baking dish: Needed to layer pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses, then bake to bubbly perfection.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients in the skillet without scratching the surface.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise amounts of ingredients like tomato sauce and cheeses for consistent results.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole, melting the cheese and blending flavors into a cohesive dish.
Greek Ground Beef Casserole
A hearty and flavorful Greek-inspired casserole with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta penne or ziti
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Spread ricotta cheese over the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
Read more: Greek Chicken Stew Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed, but don't bake it.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Using ricotta cheese in this casserole adds a creamy texture that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, cook the pasta according to package instructions before layering.
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