Ground Lamb Pasta with Baked Feta & Tomatoes: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight

Introduction

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and a touch of Mediterranean flair, Ground Lamb Pasta with Baked Feta & Tomatoes is the perfect choice. Combining the savory richness of ground lamb, the tangy creaminess of baked feta cheese, and the bright, juicy burst of oven-roasted tomatoes, this dish is a true celebration of bold, balanced flavors.

Ground lamb often takes a backseat to beef or chicken in the pasta world, but it brings a unique, tender texture and deep umami flavor that pairs beautifully with rich cheeses and slow-roasted vegetables. The addition of feta cheese, which softens and becomes slightly golden when baked, adds a deliciously creamy contrast to the hearty lamb. The tomatoes, when roasted, become sweet and slightly caramelized, offering a fresh burst of acidity that helps cut through the richness of the meat and cheese.

This recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, and it’s the ideal meal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired feast with friends and family. While it’s incredibly easy to make, this dish feels fancy enough to serve for a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, Savory Flavor: Ground lamb is packed with flavor and gives the dish a richness that’s unmatched by other meats.
• Baked Feta Magic: Baked feta transforms into a creamy, slightly crispy topping that melts beautifully into the pasta.
• Sweet Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the dish’s complexity.
• Simple Yet Impressive: Despite requiring only a handful of ingredients, the dish feels luxurious and special.
• Balanced and Nutritious: The combination of meat, vegetables, and cheese provides a filling, well-rounded meal.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
• Servings: 4 servings
• Nutrition Facts:
• Calories per serving: 500
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti): A hearty pasta shape works best to hold up to the meaty sauce and feta.
• 1 lb ground lamb: The star of the dish. Ground lamb offers a rich, flavorful base with a slightly gamey taste that pairs well with tangy feta and sweet tomatoes.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the lamb and cooking the garlic, adding richness and flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: A key aromatic that infuses the lamb with flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: An essential Mediterranean herb that adds a fragrant, earthy note to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm spice that complements the lamb and gives the dish a slight warmth and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning the lamb and overall dish.
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved: Roasting these small tomatoes brings out their sweetness and creates a rich, slightly caramelized flavor.
• 4 oz feta cheese, block or crumbled: Feta provides a creamy, tangy element that’s perfect when baked and stirred into the pasta.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and color to finish off the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the halved cherry or grape tomatoes on the sheet and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened, blistered, and slightly caramelized. The roasting process brings out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, intensifying their flavor.

While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the feta. If you’re using a block of feta, drizzle it with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Set it aside, and once the tomatoes have roasted for about 10 minutes, place the feta in the oven next to the tomatoes for an additional 10 minutes, until it softens and begins to turn golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the tomatoes and feta are in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, as the starchy water will help thicken and bind the sauce later.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Lamb and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes aromatic and golden.

Next, add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta with the Lamb

Once the lamb is fully cooked, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the lamb. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

By now, your tomatoes and feta should be ready. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and gently stir them into the pasta. Then, carefully crumble or slice the baked feta and add it to the pasta as well. The feta should be soft and creamy, so it will naturally melt into the pasta, creating a luxurious, tangy sauce. Toss everything together until the feta is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is warm, and enjoy the combination of savory lamb, creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and the fragrant, aromatic spices.

How to Serve

This Ground Lamb Pasta with Baked Feta & Tomatoes is hearty and satisfying enough to be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the pasta with a crisp, refreshing salad like a Greek salad or a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and balance to the meal.
• Bread: A piece of warm, crusty bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Wine Pairing

To complement the rich lamb and creamy feta, pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah, Zinfandel, or a Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines offer a deep, fruity profile that pairs well with the richness of the lamb. If you prefer white wine, a crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc can balance the dish’s richness without overwhelming the flavors.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano, thyme, or basil, feel free to add some fresh herbs to the lamb mixture for even more vibrant flavor.
• Customize with Veggies: To make the dish even heartier, add sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or artichokes to the pasta for added texture and flavor.
• Control the Spice: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely. The cumin and oregano will still give the dish plenty of flavor.
• Leftovers: This dish makes for excellent leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Lamb Pasta: If you enjoy extra heat, try adding some chopped fresh chili peppers to the lamb or drizzle some harissa over the pasta.
• Add Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top of the pasta before serving.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground lamb with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based version of this dish.

Storage and Reheating

While best enjoyed fresh, Ground Lamb Pasta with Baked Feta & Tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, adding a bit of moisture to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

Ground Lamb Pasta with Baked Feta & Tomatoes is a show-stopping dish that combines the earthy richness of lamb with the tangy creaminess of feta and the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress at any dinner table, from casual weeknight meals to special gatherings.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—though it feels indulgent, it’s easy to prepare and relies on a few quality ingredients. Whether you’re a lamb lover or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired pasta that’s as comforting as it is delicious!

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