Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole is a comforting and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender pasta, savory smoked beef, and rich Alfredo sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked beef, crumbled or ground
• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta al dente according to package instructions, then drain well.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, brown the smoked beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir the Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the browned beef until well combined.
5. Step 5: Mix the cooked ziti pasta with the beef and sauce mixture.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of Italian sausage and smoked beef for extra flavor depth.
• Substitute penne or rigatoni pasta if ziti is unavailable.
• For a creamier casserole, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream with the Alfredo sauce.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost the veggie content.
• Top with grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beef?

Yes, ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage can be used instead of smoked beef. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Is this casserole freezer friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 139 reviews

This Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole is a comforting and easy weeknight dinner combining tender ziti pasta, savory smoked beef, and rich Alfredo sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat

• 1 pound smoked beef, crumbled or ground

Pasta

• 12 ounces ziti pasta

Sauces and Dairy

• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prevent excess water in the casserole.
3. Brown Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the smoked beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
4. Mix Sauce and Seasoning: Stir the Alfredo sauce into the cooked beef along with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the drained ziti pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top to form a delicious cheesy crust.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheeses and lean ground beef or turkey.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate uncovered, then bake when ready to serve.

Keywords: Beef Alfredo, Ziti Casserole, Creamy Pasta Bake, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Baked Pasta