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Greek Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella

Greek Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella
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Greek Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Mozzarella is a hearty, comforting casserole that combines tender ziti pasta with savory ground beef, aromatic tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and tangy feta cheese, all infused with classic Mediterranean herbs. This easy-to-make dish offers rich layers of flavor with a subtle Greek twist, perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped)
  • 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, to ensure it holds its shape during baking without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti with the meat sauce to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the crumbled feta and half of the shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, feta, and mozzarella, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked since it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use fresh oregano and basil if possible to enhance the dish’s flavor.
  • Drain excess fat from the browned ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Balance mozzarella’s gooey melt with tangy feta for a rich and layered flavor profile.
  • Allow the baked ziti to rest before serving to help it firm up for easier portioning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek baked ziti, ground beef casserole, mozzarella pasta bake, Mediterranean pasta, comfort food casserole

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/greek-baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-and-mozzarella/