Greek baked ziti is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine with the comforts of a classic baked ziti. This recipe combines tender pasta, flavorful ground meat, and a creamy bechamel sauce for a truly irresistible meal. While there are many variations of this dish, this Greek baked ziti recipe is a tried and true classic that is sure to become a family favorite. So, let's dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish.
To make this Greek baked ziti, follow these simple steps:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or lamb) over medium heat until browned. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Cook until the onions are softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine (if using). Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Add in the chopped olives and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly add in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top it with half of the meat sauce and half of the feta cheese. Repeat the layers.
Pour the bechamel sauce over the top of the dish and sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy your delicious Greek baked ziti!
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck, and it also makes great leftovers. The combination of the rich meat sauce and creamy bechamel sauce with the tangy feta cheese and salty olives creates a flavor explosion in every bite. So, give this Greek baked ziti recipe a try and savor the deliciousness of Greek cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
