08 Jun 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 onions
2 garlic cloves
1.50 lb lamb mince
1 cup pasta sauce
2 zucchini
1 cup greek yogurt
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors and healthy ingredients, and this Greek lamb and zucchini bake is no exception. Combining tender lamb mince, fresh zucchini, and creamy Greek yogurt, this dish brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. It's a hearty and nutritious meal that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetable Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Lamb:
- Add the lamb mince to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- Cook the lamb until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Combine with Pasta Sauce:
- Once the lamb is browned, reduce the heat to low and stir in the pasta sauce.
- Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Prepare the Zucchini:
- While the lamb mixture simmers, slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons.
- Arrange half of the zucchini slices in an even layer at the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Layer the Bake:
- Spoon the lamb mixture evenly over the layer of zucchini.
- Arrange the remaining zucchini slices on top of the lamb mixture.
7. Bake:
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender.
8. Prepare the Topping:
- While the dish is baking, mix together the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
9. Add the Topping:
- After the initial bake, remove the dish from the oven and spread the yogurt and Parmesan mixture evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Serve:
- Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to finely chop the onions and garlic to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the lamb mince.
- Use a high-quality pasta sauce for added flavor; you can even add some herbs like oregano and basil to the sauce if you prefer.
- For best results, grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess water to avoid a watery bake.
- Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the flavors meld together and to make slicing easier.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
This Greek lamb and zucchini bake is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors and textures. The tender lamb, fresh zucchini, and creamy yogurt topping come together to create a comforting and nutritious meal. Whether you serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread, your family and friends are sure to be impressed with this delicious dish.