Description

This Greek Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella is a comforting, flavorful, and cheesy pasta dish that combines hearty ground beef, creamy melted mozzarella, and bold Greek-inspired seasonings. Perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic baked pasta with layers of savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and subtle hints of herbs and spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound Ziti pasta

Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce

1 can (14-15 oz) canned tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid overcooking. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and basil. Brown the meat until fully cooked and crumbly, then drain excess fat.
Develop the Sauce: Add canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the cooked beef. Stir well and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors and thicken the sauce. Add red pepper flakes if desired for mild heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef-tomato sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated.
Bake to Melty Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm to hold up well in baking.
Season gradually at each stage for balanced flavor.
Fresh mozzarella melts creamier than pre-shredded mozzarella.
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg