Greek-American Baked Ziti is a delicious fusion of traditional Italian pasta with Mediterranean flavors that come together to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
This comforting recipe incorporates the rich tastes of Greek cuisine while maintaining the beloved elements of classic baked ziti.
With its layers of pasta, tangy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and feta cheese, this version elevates the original recipe by adding a unique twist that is sure to impress family and friends at your next meal.
What Makes This Greek-American Baked Ziti Unique?
What sets Greek-American Baked Ziti apart from the classic version is the infusion of bold Greek ingredients. Instead of just mozzarella and ricotta, the dish includes tangy feta cheese that provides a savory and slightly salty flavor. The incorporation of kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and other Mediterranean spices brings an aromatic twist to the dish, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Greek-American Baked Ziti
To make this Greek-American Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ziti pasta (or another tube-shaped pasta)
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Feta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Ground beef or lamb (optional)
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh oregano
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Greek-American Baked Ziti
- Prepare the Pasta
Boil the ziti pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef or lamb (if using), cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt, pepper, and fresh oregano. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors. - Mix the Ricotta and Feta
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with crumbled feta. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and extra oregano for flavor. Stir until smooth. - Assemble the Ziti
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked ziti, followed by a layer of the ricotta and feta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce. - Top with Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and add a handful of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve
Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra fresh oregano and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Greek-American Baked Ziti
- Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use a vegetable-based sauce or add extra olives and feta for a more Mediterranean taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version of the dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the baked ziti a day ahead. Just assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Use Ground Lamb: For a more authentic Greek flavor, try substituting ground lamb for beef in the sauce.
Conclusion
Greek-American Baked Ziti is a delightful and flavorful twist on the traditional baked ziti. Combining the comforting layers of pasta with Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and oregano brings an exciting new flavor profile to the classic dish. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Greek-American Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ziti a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, any tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni will work just as well. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti after baking. Make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve. - What if I don’t like feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even skip it entirely and use more ricotta. - Can I make this dish without meat?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef or lamb for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables or olives to make it more filling.
Greek-American Baked Ziti
Greek-American Baked Ziti combines the rich flavors of classic Italian pasta with the savory twist of Greek ingredients, such as feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. This hearty dish is layered with ziti pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and creamy ricotta, baked to perfection with a golden crust of mozzarella. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a satisfying blend of Mediterranean and Italian flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for cooking the meat sauce)
- 1 large baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- 1 mixing bowl (for ricotta and feta mixture)
- 1 Spoon (For stirring)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 lb Ground beef or lamb optional
- ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1 tbsp Fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh oregano. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and crumbled feta. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the ziti: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of pasta, then top with a layer of ricotta and feta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh oregano, if desired.
Notes
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground lamb for ground beef for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground meat and add more vegetables or use a vegetable-based sauce for a meatless version.
- Freezing: This recipe can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
