Greek Ziti
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with Greek Ziti, a vibrant twist on the classic baked pasta dish. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender ziti pasta with a savory, spiced lamb and tomato sauce infused with hints of cinnamon and oregano. Creamy layers of ricotta, crumbled feta, and fresh baby spinach add depth and richness, while briny kalamata olives provide the perfect salty contrast. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of shredded mozzarella, this baked casserole is a comforting blend of bold Greek flavors and Italian-inspired comfort food. Ready in just an hour, Greek Ziti is an ideal weeknight dinner or standout dish for your next gathering—just pair it with a crisp Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil or non-stick spray.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped spinach. Mix until evenly combined.
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese and spinach mixture, stirring to coat the pasta.
Pour half of the lamb and tomato sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Layer the pasta mixture over the sauce, followed by the remaining lamb and tomato sauce. Spread evenly.
Sprinkle the sliced kalamata olives on top, then cover with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional feta or fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
625 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.5 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 132 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1510 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.2 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 39.2 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 435 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 668 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
