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 (9x13-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 9x13-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.