Description
This Authentic Greek Kritharaki Ground Beef Bake with Feta is a comforting Mediterranean casserole made with tender orzo pasta, seasoned lean ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy Greek yogurt, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a hearty family dinner packed with classic Greek flavors.
Ingredients
- 500–600 g lean ground beef
- 300–350 g Kritharaki (orzo pasta)
- 200 g Greek feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 can (about 800 g) chopped tomatoes or passata
- 2–3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 200 g Greek yogurt (10% fat)
- 100 ml milk
- Optional: grated hard cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the Kritharaki (orzo) according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and combine the meat sauce with the cooked orzo. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and add grated hard cheese if desired.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk for the best flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing for cleaner portions.
- Serve with a Greek salad and crusty bread.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek