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Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole: The Ultimate Recipe.

A rich and creamy pasta bake combining seasoned ground beef, ziti, and a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined.
  6. Fold in the cooked ziti and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining Parmesan and the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue to soften while baking.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole, Pasta Bake, Creamy Beef Pasta, Ground Beef Casserole, Ziti Recipe