Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prevent excess water in the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the drained ziti pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
