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Top view of a creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole showing the rich white sauce and seared beef crumbles.

Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Bake

A decadent Beef Alfredo Ziti Casserole featuring seared ground beef and ziti pasta smothered in a rich white Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and toasted golden cheese spots. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 645
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ziti Pasta 450g, boiled al dente
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 680g, 85/15 lean ratio preferred
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil 15ml
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream 480ml
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter 115g
  • 1.5 cups Parmesan Cheese 150g, freshly grated
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese 225g, shredded
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes 1g

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch white ceramic baking dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pasta Pot

Method
 

Prep and Pasta
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil ziti in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Brown ground beef into crumbles. Drain fat and season with salt and pepper.
The Sauce and Assembly
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan until a rich white Alfredo sauce forms.
  2. In a 9x13 ceramic dish, toss pasta and beef with the Alfredo sauce until heavily coated.
Baking
  1. Top with mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown toasted spots and charred edges appear.
  2. Sprinkle with dried parsley flakes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
Don't overcook the pasta initially as it softens in the oven.