Description
This Kritharaki-Hackauflauf is a comforting Greek-inspired baked pasta dish made with orzo (kritharaki), seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and a creamy feta-yogurt topping. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 500–600g lean ground beef
- 300–350g kritharaki (orzo pasta)
- 200g Greek feta cheese (sheep/goat milk preferred)
- 1 can (800g) diced tomatoes or passata
- 2–3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano (preferably Greek)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 200g Greek yogurt (10% fat)
- 100ml milk
- Grated hard cheese (Graviera or Parmesan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, lightly cook kritharaki until just al dente.
- Remove bay leaf and mix pasta with meat sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish.
- Mix eggs, yogurt, milk, and nutmeg in a bowl, then pour over casserole.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, do not skip cinnamon – it gives Greek moussaka-style depth.
- You can replace beef with lamb for stronger flavor.
- Letting it rest improves slicing and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek