Best 2 Greek Baked Ziti Recipes

Indulge in the delectable flavors of the Mediterranean with our Greek Baked Ziti, a tantalizing fusion of classic Italian pasta and traditional Greek ingredients. This hearty and flavorful dish will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece, where culinary delights and warm hospitality go hand in hand.

Our recipe collection features a variety of Greek-inspired baked ziti dishes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the classic meat-based ziti to vegetarian and seafood options, each recipe promises a unique and satisfying experience.

Dive into the richness of our Traditional Greek Baked Ziti, where tender ziti pasta is enveloped in a velvety tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Succulent ground beef and juicy Italian sausage add depth of flavor, while a generous topping of melted cheese creates a golden-brown crust that will leave you craving more.

For a lighter yet equally flavorful option, try our Vegetarian Greek Baked Ziti. This meatless version showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, sautéed to perfection and combined with a light tomato sauce. The addition of feta cheese adds a tangy and creamy touch that complements the vegetable medley beautifully.

Seafood enthusiasts will delight in our Greek Baked Ziti with Shrimp and Scallops. Plump shrimp and tender scallops are seared until golden brown and then tossed with a flavorful combination of tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The seafood is nestled atop a bed of ziti pasta and coated in a rich and creamy sauce, creating a luscious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

For those with dietary restrictions, our Gluten-Free Greek Baked Ziti offers a delicious alternative. This recipe uses gluten-free ziti pasta, ensuring that individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy this Greek-inspired comfort food without compromise.

No Greek feast is complete without the addition of fresh herbs and tangy cheeses. Our recipes incorporate a symphony of herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and basil, which lend their aromatic essence to the dish. The generous use of feta cheese, known for its salty and tangy flavor, adds a distinctive Greek touch, while Parmesan cheese provides a nutty richness that balances the overall flavor profile.

These Greek Baked Ziti recipes are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them to suit your preferences. Experiment with different types of cheese, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the level of spiciness to create a dish that truly reflects your taste.

Whether you're hosting a family gathering, entertaining friends, or simply seeking a comforting and flavorful meal, our Greek Baked Ziti collection has something for everyone. Each recipe promises an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and craving more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece!

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PASTITSIO - GREEK BAKED ZITI/LASAGNA

Pastitsio - Greek Baked Ziti/Lasagna image

Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that is similar to baked ziti or lasagna. The dish has three main parts: pasta (ziti), tomato sauce with lamb, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, as well as a bechamel sauce.

Provided by cookingandbeer

Categories Lamb/Sheep

Time 1h45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground lamb (or beef is you choose not to use lamb)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup white wine
2 cups tomato puree
2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 lb ziti pasta or 1 lb penne
4 whole eggs (yolks and whites separated)
1 1/2 cups butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups whole milk

Steps:

Add the olive oil to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beer and lamb and cook for 5-6 minutes, or just until you do not see any more pink.
Add the onion and garlic and continue to cook until the onions are soft and the garlic is very fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Salt and pepper generously.
Pour the white wine into the sauté pan and stir. Allow the wine to reduce by at least half before adding the tomato puree, oregano, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and allspice.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is quick thick. Set aside.
While the tomato sauce is simmering, bring your water for the pasta in a stock pot to a boil. Cook the pasta as per the directions on the packaging except cut back the time by 1-2 minutes so that you don't end up with super mushy noodles in the end.
While the pasta is cooking begin preparing the béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a large sauté pan. Once melted, slowly add the flour, whisking continuously to fully incorporate the fat and flour to make a roux. Continuing whisking for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly add the milk to the roux, again whisking continuously.
Add the 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and allspice to the béchamel and let cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Place the egg yolks in a small bowl, and, while mixing them continuously, slowly add a tablespoon of the béchamel to the yolks at a time. Do this 4 or 5 times to temper the eggs. Then add the egg mixture to the béchamel and whisk to combine fully. Set aside. Note: DO NOT dump the yolks directly into the hot béchamel sauce without tempering them first or else you will end up with scrambled eggs.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Once the pasta is cooked, strain it. Place 1/2 cup of butter in the empty stock pot and, once melted, add the ziti along with the egg whites. Toss to combine but be careful not to break the noodles.
To assemble the pastitsio, in a 13 by 9 pyrex baking dish, apply a layer of cooking spray so that the food does not adhere to the dish. Then, spread the ziti across the bottom of the dish, being sure to evenly distribute the noodles. Then, place the tomato sauce on the ziti. Top the tomato sauce with the béchamel, making sure that the entire dish is covered. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and place in the over, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until the cheese and béchamel sauce start to brown slightly. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Serve by cutting square or rectangular pieces (just as if you were serving lasagna).

GREEK BAKED ZITI

Greek Baked Ziti image

Inspired by the Greek classic comfort dish - Pastitsio. Recipe from Southern Living.

Provided by Daily Inspiration S

Categories Beef

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
2 15-oz. cans tomato sauce
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 c milk
1 c grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
vegetable spray
8 oz package shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 c fine dry breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta in a dutch oven according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, saute onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add beef; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until crumbled and no longer pink. Drain mixture, and return to skillet.
3. Stir tomato sauce, next 4 ingredients, and 1 tsp. salt into meat mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, 5-7 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in parmesan cheese, pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Add sauce to pasta, stirring to coat.
5. Transfer pasta mixture to a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Top with beef mixture, mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your dish. Look for fresh, ripe vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and high-quality olive oil.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make Greek baked ziti. Feel free to adjust the recipe to your own liking. You can add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
Cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is baked.
Use a good quality baking dish. A heavy baking dish will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the pasta from burning.
Bake the pasta until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the pasta is cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Greek baked ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new pasta recipe, give Greek baked ziti a try!