Craving those vibrant Mediterranean flavors? Look no further! This Greek Meat Casserole with Feta & Tomatoes is a juicy, aromatic dish made with seasoned ground pork, tangy feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and warming spices. It’s truly a delight that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece! Serve it alongside crispy roasted potatoes and a refreshing tzatziki sauce, and you’ve got a complete Greek feast right in your own home. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends!

Ingredients:

For the Flavorful Meat Casserole:

• 500g (about 1.1 lbs) ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef for varied flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• A generous bunch of fresh parsley (about half a standard bunch), finely chopped
• 40g (about ¼ cup) sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (oil-packed are great, just drain them)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain, thick Greek yogurt for a lighter touch)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 80g (about 3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (sunflower or canola)

For the Crispy Roasted Potatoes:

• 800g (about 1.7 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges or chunks
• 4 tablespoons cooking oil (olive oil works wonderfully here)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 190°C (375°F). If you have a fan/convection setting, use it for even cooking.
2. Prep Your Aromatics: Finely chop the onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes. Small pieces ensure the flavors are well distributed throughout the meat.
3. Mix the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with the egg, sour cream (or yogurt), all the chopped vegetables and herbs, dried spices (oregano, thyme, salt, pepper), and the crumbled feta cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly, but be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish (an oven-safe loaf pan or a shallow casserole dish works well). Shape it into a compact loaf or “meatloaf” shape.
5. Add a Tomato Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with the 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf.
6. Add Moisture (Secret Tip!): Pour a little water into the bottom of the baking dish, just enough to barely cover the base. This steam will help keep the meatloaf incredibly moist and juicy as it bakes.
7. Prepare the Potatoes: Cut your potatoes into wedges or chunks. Toss them in a separate bowl with the 4 tablespoons of oil and season generously with salt.
8. Bake Together: Arrange the seasoned potatoes around the meatloaf in the same baking dish, or on a separate baking sheet if your dish isn’t large enough. Bake both the meat casserole and the potatoes simultaneously for approximately 40 minutes. The meatloaf should be cooked through, and the potatoes golden and tender.
9. Serve Hot! Carefully remove the dish from the oven.

Your delicious Greek Meat Casserole with Feta & Tomatoes is ready to enjoy! Kali Orexi (Bon Appétit)!

Serving Suggestion:

This dish is wonderfully complemented not only by the roasted potatoes but also by a fresh green salad or, for the ultimate Greek experience, a generous dollop of homemade Tzatziki sauce (a refreshing blend of grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh dill). Enjoy!