The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Why You’ll Love This
🍝 Creamy Alfredo meets hearty beef in one dish
🧀 Three-cheese blend for maximum meltiness
🔥 Golden, bubbly top straight from the oven
⏱ Ready in 45 minutes – perfect for busy nights
Ingredients
Meat & Pasta
1 lb ground beef
12 oz ziti pasta (or penne)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Alfredo Sauce
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup (1 stick) butter
1½ cups shredded Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ tsp garlic powder
Topping
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook Pasta & Beef
- Cook ziti 1 minute less than package directs. Drain.
- Brown beef with onion, garlic, and seasonings; drain fat.
2. Make Alfredo Sauce
- In saucepan, melt butter with heavy cream. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Whisk in Parmesan and garlic powder until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Mix pasta, beef, and Alfredo sauce in greased 9×13″ dish.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Combine panko, melted butter, and parsley; sprinkle over top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
Pro Tips
🍅 Extra flavor: Stir in 1 cup marinara for a rosé twist
🌶 Kick it up: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to beef
🥦 Veggie boost: Mix in 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
Serving Suggestions
🥗 Pair with garlic bread and Caesar salad
🍷 Serve with Chianti or Pinot Grigio
🌿 Garnish with fresh basil
“Like baked ziti and fettuccine Alfredo had the perfect baby!” 👶🍝
Storage: Keeps refrigerated 3 days. Freezes well unbaked.
Variations:
- Chicken Alfredo: Swap beef for 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- Mushroom Lover’s: Use sautéed mushrooms instead of beef
- Lightened Up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream