Name: Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne); 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce (or homemade); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the smooth, garlicky Alfredo sauce coats al dente ziti, while browned beef adds depth and satisfying texture. Baking it with gooey melted cheese on top brings everything together into one delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ziti or similar pasta (like penne), cooked al dente
Ground beef (lean or regular)
Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Onion and garlic (for flavor)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven and cook the ziti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
I sauté chopped onion and garlic in oil or butter until fragrant, then add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, seasoning along the way.
Once the beef is cooked through, I stir in Alfredo sauce to create a rich, creamy mixture.
I combine the sauce-beef blend with the pasta, gently stirring until every piece is coated.
I transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
I bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top—usually about 15–20 minutes.
I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil to bring brightness to the rich flavors.

Servings and timing

This casserole yields about 6 servings, depending on portion size. Prep takes around 20 minutes, and the bake time is approximately 15–20 minutes, so I can have it from start to table in under an hour.

Variations

I swap ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
I stir in spinach or chopped broccoli for extra veggies and color.
I swap Alfredo sauce for a mix of béchamel and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a homemade touch.
I add a breadcrumb or Parmesan crust for extra crunch on top.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at around 350°F until bubbling, or microwave individual portions until heated—adding a little milk or extra Alfredo sauce if needed to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I’ll prepare it up to the point of baking, refrigerate, and then bake fresh when I’m ready—adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.

Can I freeze portion-sized slices?

Yes—I freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven for best texture.

What’s a good cheese mix on top?

I usually blend mozzarella with a sprinkle of Parmesan, but I also love adding a bit of ricotta or Fontina for creamier texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—I often stir in cooked zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor, nutrition, and color.

How do I avoid the pasta drying out?

I make sure there’s enough sauce—almost creamy—in the dish before baking, and cover loosely with foil if I have trouble with the top getting too brown before the casserole is hot all the way through.

Conclusion

I’ve found that this Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, cheesy comfort in every slice. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dinner favorite I turn to for feeding family, hosting friends, or just indulging in a cozy, satisfying meal.