Mediterranean Lamb Macaroni Bake: A Flavorful Greek Delight! 🍽️

Greek Style Lamb and Macaroni Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 961.4
Fat Content: 56.1g
Saturated Fat Content: 27.5g
Cholesterol Content: 224.9mg
Sodium Content: 1077.4mg
Carbohydrate Content: 47.7g
Fiber Content: 4.6g
Sugar Content: 8g
Protein Content: 65g

Description

This delightful Greek-style lamb and macaroni casserole recipe, inspired by Ian Hewitson’s Huey’s Cooking Adventures, offers a taste of Mediterranean flair with its rich lamb, aromatic herbs, and comforting macaroni, all baked to perfection. While it may require a bit of effort, the end result is undeniably worth it, delivering a satisfying and economical meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Serve it up with a side of green beans for a complete and hearty meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 600g lamb, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 can (400g) tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 crumbled stock cube
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (such as oregano or thyme)
• 1 1/2 cups macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated cheese

For the cheese sauce:

• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup grated cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in boiling water according to package instructions until it’s not quite tender. Drain and toss with a dash of olive oil. Set aside.

2. Saute Vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about three minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Brown Lamb: Add the minced lamb to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, crumbled stock cube, and dried herbs. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced and the flavors have melded together.

5. Layer Casserole: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Begin assembling the casserole by placing half of the cooked macaroni into the bottom of a deep casserole dish. Sprinkle over some grated cheese.

6. Add Lamb Mixture: Layer half of the lamb and vegetable mixture over the macaroni, followed by the remaining macaroni and another layer of grated cheese. Finish with the remaining lamb mixture.

7. Prepare Cheese Sauce: To make the cheese sauce, melt the margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a paste, then gradually whisk in the milk. Cook the sauce for about three minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Stir in the grated cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

8. Bake: Spoon the cheese sauce over the top of the casserole and sprinkle with additional grated cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your delicious Greek-style lamb and macaroni casserole!

This hearty dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and its delicious flavors will transport you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with your favorite side dishes, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.