Forktionary

2 Layer Baked Ziti Recipe

Experience a taste of pure comfort with this 2-Layer Baked Ziti! This family-favorite recipe features a creamy Alfredo sauce layered with tender ziti noodles, topped with a hearty meat sauce and melted mozzarella. Double the deliciousness in every bite! This recipe makes a 9x13 inch casserole, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 588.8 kcal
Protein 56g
Rating 4.5 (4 Reviews)
2 Layer Baked Ziti 76

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for 2 Layer Baked Ziti

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this 2 Layer Baked Ziti? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make 2 Layer Baked Ziti

  1. Sauté 1 medium onion, chopped, in 2 tablespoons olive oil until tender (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for 1 minute more.
  3. Crumble 1 pound ground beef into the pan and brown, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Drain off excess grease from the beef mixture and return it to the pan.
  5. Stir in 24 ounces your favorite spaghetti sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
  6. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until smooth.
  7. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
  8. Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
  9. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  10. Stir until well combined.
  11. Cook 1 pound ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to the Alfredo sauce, stirring to coat the noodles evenly.
  12. Transfer the Alfredo ziti mixture to a lightly greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  13. Top evenly with the ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture.
  14. Sprinkle generously with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
  15. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

41 g

Sugar

41g

Fat

55g

Carbs

20g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat Ground Beef Recipes European Italian The Americas American Fall Recipes

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish Beef Pasta Easy Ground Beef Meat Pasta Rice And Grains 3 Steps Or Less