Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole

This Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy Alfredo sauce—all baked into one irresistible casserole. I love making this when I want a filling, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole combines the richness of Alfredo with the heartiness of beef and pasta. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—all without needing a ton of prep. I can throw it together on a busy night, and it still feels like a homemade comfort food classic. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week.

Ingredients

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

• 12 oz (340 g) ziti noodles

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. I drain any excess grease.

4. I season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine.

5. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked ziti, seasoned ground beef, and Alfredo sauce. I stir until everything is evenly coated.

6. I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

7. I sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (and Parmesan, if using) over the top.

8. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

When I want a little extra flavor, I mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes. I’ve also used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a bolder cheese pull. For a spicy twist, I sometimes add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave for individual portions or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If it looks dry, I stir in a splash of milk or extra Alfredo sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, I add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. I freeze the unbaked or baked casserole wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Definitely. I’ve made this with penne, rigatoni, and even rotini. Any sturdy, short pasta works well.

What’s the best Alfredo sauce to use?

I use either a good-quality store-bought Alfredo or make a quick homemade one with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter version. I just season it a bit more to boost the flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—it’s comforting, filling, and always a hit at the table. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can serve up a dish that’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed winner.