Greek Baked Ziti Recipe

I absolutely love this Greek Baked Ziti Recipe because it brings together the comfort of classic baked pasta with a delicious Mediterranean twist. The hint of cinnamon and oregano in the tomato sauce makes all the difference, giving it a warm, just-right flavor that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create a dish packed with layers of flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness. You’ll find that Greek Baked Ziti Recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also wonderfully versatile—ideal for meal prep or a weekend treat that keeps well leftover.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work together to bring that signature Greek-inspired baked pasta you’ll want to make again and again. When shopping, aim for fresh garlic and good-quality cheeses—they really make a difference here.

• Ziti pasta: Holds sauce beautifully and bakes well without getting mushy.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor in your sautéed vegetables.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of aroma you can’t beat.
• Lean ground beef: Keeps the dish hearty without overwhelming the flavors.
• Tomato sauce: The base for your flavorful meat sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the richness.
• Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that shines in this recipe.
• Sugar: Just a hint to cut the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Ground cinnamon: The secret spice that gives the sauce its unique warmth.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
• Butter: For a smooth, velvety béchamel sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel so it’s creamy, not runny.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% for richest texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the white sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: For that subtle kick.
• Vegetable cooking spray: Keeps your baking dish ready without sticking.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey finish.
• Fine, dry breadcrumbs: Creates a lovely golden crust on top.
• Fresh basil: For garnish that adds fragrant color and brightness.

Variations

I love how this Greek Baked Ziti Recipe makes it easy to get creative. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or adapting for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to switch things up without losing that signature flavor.

• Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and chopped spinach, and add extra herbs to boost flavor—I’ve tried it for meatless Mondays, and it’s a winner!
• Spicy kick: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you’re someone like me who loves a little heat.
• Cheese swaps: Goat cheese or feta crumble blends beautifully to add even more Greek authenticity.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for béchamel to accommodate gluten sensitivities—just be sure to watch baking time closely.

How to Make Greek Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your ziti in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm but not hard. Don’t overcook it because it will bake later and continue to soften. I usually drain the pasta a minute or two before it’s fully tender to avoid mushiness, then give it a quick rinse with warm water to stop the cooking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté chopped onion until tender and slightly caramelized—about 4 to 5 minutes. Adding the garlic last ensures it stays fragrant without burning, so cook it just 30 seconds before adding the ground beef. When browning the beef, try not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, it will steam. I like to cook it until nicely browned and crumbly, then drain excess fat for a leaner dish. Stir in the tomato sauce, fresh lemon juice, oregano, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, simmering gently to blend those beautiful Greek-inspired flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Béchamel

This step adds a luscious creaminess that really sets this recipe apart. Melt butter on low heat in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for a couple of minutes before gradually whisking in milk to avoid lumps. Patience is key here—keep whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, pepper, and the remaining salt. This cheesy béchamel coats the pasta perfectly and keeps everything dreamy once baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection

Toss the cooked pasta with your béchamel sauce so every piece is coated. Then transfer it to a greased baking dish—using vegetable cooking spray works wonders here. Spread the meat sauce evenly on top, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, and finish with fine breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunchy topping. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let everything settle—this makes slicing and serving a breeze.

How to Serve Greek Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my Greek Baked Ziti with fresh basil leaves—just torn on top for a burst of herbal fragrance and vibrant color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving also adds a lovely salty touch that makes it pop even more.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with a crisp Greek salad—think cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta tossed with olive oil and oregano. A side of garlic bread or warm pita rounds out the meal perfectly and keeps things authentic.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual servings in ramekins topped with mini basil sprigs. It feels fancy but is easy to portion and serve. You can also layer in some roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for an extra festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the baked ziti cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it great for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Freezing this Greek Baked Ziti Recipe works like a charm—just assemble as usual but don’t bake, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. I learned that freezing before baking keeps the texture fresher than freezing leftovers after cooking.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop individual portions into the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain that creamy béchamel without drying out. Microwave works too, but you might lose some of that crisp breadcrumb topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Greek Baked Ziti Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines comfort, tradition, and a little twist all in one satisfying dish. I love sharing it with friends who think they’re just getting regular baked pasta and then watching their faces light up when they taste the cinnamon and oregano. I promise once you try making it yourself, it’ll be one of those meals you proudly make again and again—perfect for cozy nights and happy gatherings.

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