Simple Greek Spaghetti Casserole

Name: Greek Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Italian and Greek)
Ingredients: 2 cups of dried spaghetti, broken in half; 1/4 cup of butter; 1 onion, finely diced; 1 large bell pepper, diced; 1 cup of sliced mushrooms; 2 teaspoons of dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper; 1 27-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juices; 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced, rinsed, and dried; 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup of softened cream cheese; 1/2 cup of milk

Featured in Capturing the Essence of Mediterranean Cuisine.

This Greek spaghetti casserole combines the best of Italian and Greek flavors in one hearty dish. With ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, and two types of cheese, it is simple yet packed with flavor. This casserole is perfect to bake and enjoy or to prepare ahead, as it freezes wonderfully. The creamy mix of spaghetti and cheese with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients makes it a favorite for dinner. It's easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family with its delicious combination.

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By Mia Laurent

Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:53:56 GMT

What happens when you merge Italian and Greek flavors? This recipe is the love child | chefmiarecipes.com

This Greek Spaghetti Casserole beautifully marries the beloved flavors of Italian and Greek cuisines into one comforting dish. The combination of tender pasta, aromatic vegetables, and two types of cheese creates a Mediterranean masterpiece that's both familiar and excitingly different.

I've made this casserole countless times for family gatherings, and it never fails to spark conversations about its unique flavor profile. My sister-in-law even requested it for her birthday dinner last year.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

Spaghetti: Use high-quality durum wheat pasta that holds shape when baked
Bell Peppers: Choose firm, brightly colored ones for best flavor
Mushrooms: Fresh button mushrooms provide earthy depth
Black Olives: Kalamata works best for authentic Greek flavor
Mozzarella & Cream Cheese: Full-fat versions create the creamiest result
Oregano: Mediterranean oregano offers the most authentic taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pasta Preparation: Break spaghetti in half for easier serving. Cook until just al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Step 2: Vegetable Base: Sauté vegetables in butter until tender but not mushy. Allow oregano to bloom in the warm butter for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Sauce Creation: Combine tomatoes and olives, simmering to meld flavors. Whisk cream cheese and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Assembly and Baking: Combine all elements while pasta is still warm. Bake until edges are golden and cheese is perfectly melted.

My grandmother always emphasized using fresh bell peppers in this dish. She swore they provided not just flavor but also essential vitamins that kept our family healthy through winter months.

Storage and Serving

Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
Best reheated in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes
Pairs perfectly with a simple Greek salad

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found it's more than just a fusion dish - it's a conversation starter that brings people together. The way the cream cheese melts into little pockets of richness while the Greek elements add their distinctive character makes this casserole truly special. Every time I serve it, I'm reminded of how food can bridge different culinary traditions so beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and freeze it to bake later.
→ What cheeses work best for this recipe?: Mozzarella and cream cheese are recommended for a rich and creamy texture.
→ Can I substitute the black olives?: Yes, you can replace black olives with green olives or leave them out entirely if preferred.
→ What can I serve with this casserole?: A fresh side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the casserole.
→ Can I use whole spaghetti instead of breaking it?: Yes, you can use whole spaghetti if preferred, but breaking it helps it mix more evenly in the casserole.

Greek Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

A Greek spaghetti casserole with Italian flavors, perfect for easy and hearty meals.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

By: Mia Laurent

Category: Mediterranean Methods

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion (Italian and Greek)

Yield: 6 Servings (1 casserole or approximately 6 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 cups of dried spaghetti, broken in half

02 1/4 cup of butter

03 1 onion, finely diced

04 1 large bell pepper, diced

05 1 cup of sliced mushrooms

06 2 teaspoons of dried oregano

07 1/2 teaspoon of salt

08 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

09 1 27-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juices

10 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced, rinsed, and dried

11 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

12 1 cup of softened cream cheese

13 1/2 cup of milk

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 02

Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain the water and set aside.

Step 03

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 04

Mix in the diced tomatoes and sliced black olives. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes.

Step 05

In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and the milk.

Step 06

Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded mozzarella, and the cream cheese mixture to the skillet. If the skillet is too small, transfer everything into a large mixing bowl to combine.

Step 07

Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until bubbling and heated through.

Notes

This dish is a fusion of Italian and Greek flavors, making it a perfect option when you can't decide between the two cuisines.
The casserole can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience.

Tools You'll Need

9x13-inch casserole dish
Large skillet
Large mixing bowl (if needed)
Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains dairy products such as cream cheese, milk, and mozzarella.
Contains wheat from the spaghetti, making it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 92
Total Fat: ~
Total Carbohydrate: ~
Protein: ~

Mia Laurent

With over fifteen years in professional kitchens and formal training at Le Cordon Bleu, I'm passionate about translating classical techniques into accessible methods for home cooks. My approach combines precision with practicality, helping you achieve restaurant-quality results with equipment and ingredients available to you.

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