Amazing Mediterranean Squash Casserole: 1 Pan, Pure Joy!

If you re anything like me, you know that some dishes just feel like sunshine on a plate. They bring warmth to your kitchen and smiles to everyone around the table. Today, I m so excited to share one of those special recipes with you: my go-to Mediterranean squash casserole. It s a dish that truly sings with fresh flavors!

I remember my grandma, with her gentle hands, always saying that the best food comes from simple, good ingredients. This casserole truly embodies that. It brings together tender summer squash, savory feta, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. All of these come together in a rich olive oil base. It s truly a taste of the Mediterranean.

This is incredibly easy to make. Yet, it feels so elegant. It s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering. My family just loves it, and I bet yours will too! I ve been making versions of this recipe for years. It reminds me of those long, happy summer evenings. Let s get cooking!

Why You ll Love This Mediterranean Squash Casserole

I genuinely believe this Mediterranean squash casserole will become a new favorite in your home. It s more than just a recipe; it s a feeling.

• Quick and Easy: It comes together so fast! Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is packed with fresh, savory Mediterranean goodness.
• Healthy and Wholesome: It s loaded with veggies and good-for-you ingredients.
• Vegetarian Friendly: A delicious meat-free option that satisfies everyone.
• Pure Comfort Food: Warm, bubbly, and incredibly satisfying, this Mediterranean squash casserole truly hits the spot.

Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Squash Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any delicious meal. For this Mediterranean squash casserole, we re focusing on fresh, vibrant flavors. Here s what you ll need for this simple recipe.

First, grab two pounds of yellow squash. I like to slice these thinly. You ll also need one tablespoon of good olive oil. Plus, a little extra for greasing your baking dish. Next, chop up one onion. Get two cloves of garlic ready, minced finely. We ll use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained, so don t pour out that juice!

For that signature tang, have half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. Fresh herbs make a huge difference here. You ll want a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley and a quarter cup of chopped fresh basil. A teaspoon of dried oregano adds an earthy note. Of course, salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning to taste. Finally, if you like, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese for topping.

Equipment for the Perfect Mediterranean Squash Casserole

Having the right tools makes cooking so much easier. For this Mediterranean squash casserole, you won t need anything fancy. Just a few kitchen staples will do the trick. I always gather everything before I start!

• A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for baking.
• You ll need a large skillet for cooking the tomato mixture.
• A good knife and cutting board are a must for slicing and chopping.
• Measuring spoons and cups help keep everything accurate.

How to Prepare Your Mediterranean Squash Casserole

Making this Mediterranean squash casserole is truly a joy. I love watching it come together. Just follow these steps, and you ll have a delicious meal ready!

First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375 °F (190 °C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. It also makes cleanup a breeze.

Next, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook it until it softens, about 5 to 7 minutes. It should smell wonderful. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for just another minute until it s fragrant. Don t let it burn!

Now, stir in the diced tomatoes. Make sure to include their liquid. Add the fresh parsley, fresh basil, and dried oregano. Give it a good stir. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together.

Time to layer! In your prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced yellow squash. Make an even layer. Spoon half of the tomato mixture over the squash. Then, sprinkle with half of the crumbled feta cheese. It s starting to look like a casserole!

Arrange the remaining sliced squash over the feta. Top with the rest of the tomato mixture. Add the remaining feta cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This gives it a lovely golden crust!

Finally, bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Or, until the squash is tender. The casserole should be bubbly and lightly browned on top. Remove it from the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set.

Pro Tips for Your Mediterranean Squash Casserole Success

I ve made this Mediterranean squash casserole many times. I ve picked up a few tricks! For an even richer flavor, try roasting the squash slightly. Just toss it with olive oil and salt first. You can also add other Mediterranean vegetables. Bell peppers or work wonderfully. Adjust the herbs to your liking. Fresh herbs truly give the best flavor!

Mediterranean Squash Casserole Variations

One of the best things about this Mediterranean squash casserole is how flexible it is! I often play around with ingredients. You can easily make it your own. If you love more veggies, try adding sliced bell peppers. Green or red peppers are fantastic. is another great choice. Just slice it thin like the squash.

Want to change up the cheese? Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist. A little mozzarella can make it extra gooey. For a pop of color and flavor, toss in some Kalamata olives. Sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, are also wonderful. Just chop them up first. Don t be afraid to experiment. Keep that fresh, Mediterranean feel!

Serving and Storing Your Mediterranean Squash Casserole

Once your Mediterranean squash casserole comes out of the oven, it s a true star! I love serving it with a simple green salad. A crusty piece of bread is also perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. It s comforting and satisfying.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Just let the casserole cool completely first. Then, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven. A microwave works too, but the oven helps keep that lovely texture. Enjoy every last bite!

Common Questions About Mediterranean Squash Casserole

I get a lot of questions about this Mediterranean squash casserole recipe. Here are some of the most common ones. I hope these answers help you!

Can I make this Mediterranean squash casserole ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cook time. This ensures it heats through evenly.

What kind of squash is best for this Mediterranean squash casserole? I really love yellow squash for this. It gets wonderfully tender. Zucchini also works beautifully. You can even use a mix of both! Any tender summer squash will be delicious in your Mediterranean squash casserole.

Can I freeze Mediterranean squash casserole? Freezing can change the texture of the squash a bit. It might become a little softer. But yes, you can freeze it. Bake it first, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven.

Can I add meat to this casserole? Yes, you can! Cooked ground turkey or chicken would be a nice addition. Just brown it first. Then, mix it in with the tomato sauce before layering. This will make your Mediterranean squash casserole even heartier.

Nutritional Information for Mediterranean Squash Casserole

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional aspects of recipes. Please remember that the exact nutritional values for this Mediterranean squash casserole can vary. It depends on the specific brands you use. It also depends on how much you serve yourself. Think of any listed values as estimates. They are a helpful guide. This casserole is packed with good-for-you ingredients!