Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these 18 deliciously flavored ground lamb recipes, each with its own unique twist on traditional Greek cuisine. From hearty stews and casseroles to refreshing salads and sandwiches, we’ve got you covered for any occasion.
From classic dishes like moussaka and gyro wraps, to creative twists on familiar favorites like stuffed grape leaves and meatballs, these recipes showcase the rich flavors and aromas of Greece’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering, there’s something here for everyone.
So why wait? Let’s dive in and explore the bold, aromatic world of Greek-inspired ground lamb recipes!
Greek Lamb Moussaka with Bechamel Sauce
A classic Greek dish that combines tender lamb with creamy bechamel sauce, layered between crispy eggplant slices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lamb shoulder or ground lamb
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup bechamel sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook lamb with onion and garlic until browned, breaking apart into small pieces as it cooks.
3. In a separate pan, sauté eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create layers of cooked lamb mixture, eggplant slices, and tomato puree.
5. Top with bechamel sauce and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Bechamel Sauce Recipe:
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– Salt to taste
Combine butter, flour, and milk in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth, then season with salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
Authentic Greek Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki
Authentic Greek Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki: A Classic Street Food Recipe
Experience the flavors of Greece with this iconic street food recipe, featuring tender lamb gyros wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or leg, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 pita breads
– Tzatziki sauce (see below)
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together lamb, garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread lamb mixture onto skewers or cook in batches on the grill.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating for a few minutes.
6. Assemble gyros by placing lamb onto pita bread and topping with tzatziki sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades)
A classic Greek appetizer or snack, Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lamb and spices. This recipe yields a deliciously savory and aromatic dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 20-25 grape leaves
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the grape leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove bitterness.
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, onion, garlic, rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Lay a grape leaf flat on a work surface, with the stem end facing you. Place about 1 tablespoon of the lamb mixture in the center of the leaf.
4. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the leaf into a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the Dolmades seam-side down in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the leaves are golden brown.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers with Lemon Garlic Marinade
Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers with Lemon Garlic Marinade
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these flavorful lamb souvlaki skewers, marinated in a zesty lemon garlic mixture. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano.
3. Add lamb cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Greek Lamb Meatballs (Keftedes) with Mint and Feta
Greek Lamb Meatballs (Keftedes) with Mint and Feta: A classic Greek appetizer or main course that combines the flavors of lamb, mint, and feta for a deliciously refreshing twist on traditional meatballs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, mint, feta, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges (optional).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Lamb Pita Pockets with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional wraps, these Greek-inspired pita pockets are filled with tender lamb, crispy vegetables, and a cool cucumber yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 4 pita breads
– Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (see below)
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine lamb, onion, garlic, mixed greens, and feta cheese. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into four portions and shape each into a patty.
4. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble pita pockets with lamb patties, cucumber yogurt sauce, and your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek Lamb Spanakopita (Spinach and Lamb Pie)
A classic Greek dish that combines the rich flavors of lamb with the nutrients of spinach, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry. This spanakopita recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– Water for brushing phyllo
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook lamb until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, spinach, and feta cheese to the skillet. Cook until the spinach has wilted.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix with the cooked lamb mixture.
5. Unroll phyllo dough and cut into 4 equal pieces. Place a spoonful of the lamb mixture onto each piece of phyllo, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the phyllo over the filling to form triangles or squares. Brush with water and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek Lamb and Orzo Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, where sweet bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of lamb, orzo, and Greek-inspired spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 cup cooked orzo
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook lamb over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
5. Stir in cooked orzo, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the lamb-orzo mixture, topping with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
7. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Greek Lamb Saganaki with Tomatoes and Feta
A classic Greek appetizer that combines the flavors of lamb, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into small cubes
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the lamb cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the cooked lamb in an oven-safe dish and top with the tomato mixture.
6. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Lamb and Eggplant Lasagna
Greek Lamb and Eggplant Lasagna: A hearty, flavorful twist on traditional lasagna that combines the rich flavors of Greece with the comfort of a classic Italian dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lamb in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a separate skillet, sauté eggplant slices until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble lasagna by layering cooked lamb, tomato sauce, eggplant, lasagna noodles, feta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki and Roasted Red Peppers
Savor the flavors of Greece with this mouthwatering lamb burger recipe, featuring tangy tzatziki sauce and sweet roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Roasted red peppers (see below for roasting instructions)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill lamb burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill.
6. Assemble burgers by spreading tzatziki sauce on bottom bun, followed by a patty, a few slices of roasted red pepper, and top bun.
Roasting Red Peppers:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place 2-3 red bell peppers on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered and charred.
4. Remove from oven and let cool. Peel off skin and slice into strips.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Lamb and Potato Hash (Kokkinisto)
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of lamb with the comfort of crispy potatoes, all infused with the bold flavors of Greece.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into small pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, potatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lamb is cooked through and potatoes are golden brown.
5. If using tomato paste, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Greek Lamb Stuffed Zucchini (Kolokythakia Gemista)
A classic Greek recipe that combines the flavors of lamb, rice, and spices with the tender sweetness of zucchini. This stuffed zucchini dish is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine lamb, onion, garlic, cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each zucchini shell with the lamb mixture, dividing it evenly among the four shells.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed zucchinis and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Greek Lamb and Lentil Soup (Fakes)
This hearty soup is a staple of Greek cuisine, perfect for a cozy evening or a comforting meal. The combination of tender lamb, flavorful lentils, and aromatic spices will leave you feeling satisfied and warm inside.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, and carrot; cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lamb is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Greek Lamb and Rice Pilaf (Arni me Rizi)
A classic Greek dish that combines the flavors of tender lamb, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the rice to the pan and stir to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the water, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Return the lamb to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the lamb is cooked through.
7. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Greek Lamb Pasta with Kalamata Olives and Feta
This hearty pasta dish combines the rich flavors of lamb, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine. A perfect blend of savory, tangy, and creamy elements.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (e.g., pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add garlic, olives, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer mixture for 5-7 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Toss cooked pasta with lamb mixture and top with feta cheese.
6. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Lamb and Chickpea Stew (Revithada)
This hearty stew is a staple of Greek cuisine, combining tender lamb with creamy chickpeas and aromatic spices. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the lamb pieces, then remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Return lamb to pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Greek Lamb and Tomato Braised Green Beans (Fasolakia)
This hearty side dish combines the flavors of lamb, tomatoes, garlic, and green beans to create a rich and satisfying accompaniment to your favorite Greek dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as needed.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat with the lamb-tomato mixture.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the green beans are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Greece with these 18 mouth-watering ground lamb recipes! From classic dishes like moussaka and gyros, to innovative twists like lamb meatballs with mint and feta, there’s something for everyone. Explore traditional Greek cuisine with recipes like dolmades, souvlaki, and spanakopita, or try your hand at modern creations like lamb burgers with tzatziki and roasted red peppers. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these flavorful ground lamb recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
