Description
Hearty Gyros Casserole brings Greek island flavors straight to your dinner table, combining tender lamb, zesty herbs, and creamy feta in one comforting dish. Home cooks will savor this simple yet authentic Mediterranean meal that delivers robust taste with minimal preparation effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (500 g) pork or chicken strips
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons gyro seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced into rings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3/4 cup (200 ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (200 g) sour cream or creme fraiche
- 5 ounces (150 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 3.5 ounces (100 g) shredded cheese (e.g., Gouda or Mozzarella)
Instructions
- Transform the tender meat by massaging it with aromatic gyro seasoning and extra virgin olive oil, allowing the flavors to meld for a minimum of half an hour.
- Activate a skillet over medium flame and expertly sear the marinated meat until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior with deep brown edges.
- Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and vibrant bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together velvety heavy cream, tangy sour cream, smoky paprika, earthy oregano, delicate thyme, and a precise balance of salt and pepper.
- Prepare a baking vessel with a light coating of oil, then artfully distribute the spiced meat and vegetable medley across the surface.
- Cascade the creamy sauce over the meat mixture, gently incorporating to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Generously crown the dish with crumbled feta and shredded cheese, creating a tempting golden blanket.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated oven set at 400°F, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and intensify.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and accompany with a cooling tzatziki, presenting a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate meat longer for deeper, more intense Greek-inspired flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that reduces overall calorie content while maintaining rich texture.
- Choose lean ground lamb or chicken as protein alternatives to create a more diet-friendly casserole without compromising authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Toast herbs like oregano and thyme briefly before adding to sauce to release their essential oils and maximize aromatic complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 623
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg