When you think of comfort food that’s cheesy, hearty, and downright irresistible, this Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole should be at the top of your list. It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners.
Tender ziti noodles are coated in rich Alfredo sauce, tossed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, and topped with a gooey layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but in reality, it’s ready in under an hour.
Whether you’re serving this for a crowd or saving leftovers for later, this easy pasta casserole is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and hearty – The ultimate comfort food.
Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
Quick prep – Only 15 minutes of active cooking.
Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
Perfect for gatherings – Easy to double for larger crowds.
Customizable – Swap proteins, veggies, or sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s how each ingredient works in the recipe:
Ziti pasta – Holds sauce beautifully thanks to its tubular shape.
Ground beef – Adds rich, savory flavor and protein.
Alfredo sauce – The creamy base that coats every bite.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts into a stretchy, gooey topping.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth.
Olive oil – Helps brown the beef and adds subtle flavor.
Garlic powder – Brings a warm, savory undertone without overpowering.
Salt & pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.
Parsley – Optional, but adds fresh color and brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook ziti according to package instructions until just al dente — it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Beef In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Beef Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes more to infuse the flavor.
Mix the Pasta & Sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, seasoned beef, and Alfredo sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated.
Assemble the Casserole Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake Until Bubbly Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Cool & Serve Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pro Tips for Success
Cook pasta just shy of done – It will finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
Drain beef well – Too much grease will make the casserole oily.
Freshly grate cheese – Melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
Cover with foil if browning too quickly – Prevents the cheese from burning.
Use quality Alfredo sauce – The sauce is the backbone of flavor.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Protein swap – Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
Veggie boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Cheese change-up – Try provolone, fontina, or cheddar.
Low-carb option – Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan at the table.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
Make ahead – Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make my own Alfredo sauce? Yes! A simple homemade Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan works beautifully.
2. Do I have to use ziti? No — penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well.
3. How do I keep pasta from drying out in the oven? Make sure it’s well-coated in sauce before baking and don’t overbake.
4. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Just use two baking dishes or a larger roasting pan.
5. Is this kid-friendly? Yes — the creamy, cheesy flavor is a hit with picky eaters.
Preheat Oven & Cook PastaPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook ziti according to package instructions until just al dente — it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the BeefIn a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
Season the BeefStir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes more to infuse the flavor.
Mix the Pasta & SauceIn a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, seasoned beef, and Alfredo sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated.
Assemble the CasseroleTransfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake Until BubblyPlace in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Cool & ServeLet casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
For a richer flavor, mix some mozzarella into the pasta before baking.
Use a broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden cheesy crust.
