Never had this version of ziti before, but it was to die for!

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef, stirring to combine.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, browned beef, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Variations & Tips

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while it’s cooking. You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the casserole for added nutrition. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free as well. Finally, if you like a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.