Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner that blends bold flavor with velvety richness, look no further than this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. Imagine al dente noodles tossed in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, hearty ground beef, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish — it’s the cozy, satisfying meal dreams are made of. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a big bowl of indulgent goodness, this one-pan wonder delivers flavor and comfort with every bite.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each element is a key player in building the irresistible taste and silky-smooth texture you expect from a great Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. Let’s break down exactly what makes this dish shine.

  • Pasta (12 ounces): Choose your favorite shape—fettuccine gives a classic feel, but penne or rotini are great for catching all that delicious sauce.
  • Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A touch of oil helps brown the beef and adds a little extra flavor to the base of your sauce.
  • Ground Beef (1 pound): The star protein here, making the dish hearty and satisfying without overwhelming the sauce.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): This adds gentle heat and a punch of aromatic flavor, brightening the whole meal.
  • Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): For a rich, silky sauce with a buttery backdrop that brings all the flavors together.
  • Heavy Cream (2 cups): This is the secret to ultimate creaminess; for a lighter version, use half-and-half.
  • Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Salty and nutty, Parmesan melts perfectly into the sauce and elevates the dish.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the sauce.
  • Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle background warmth to the creamy elements.
  • Italian Seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of dried herbs enhances the overall savoriness without overpowering the meal.
  • Chopped Parsley (for garnish): This adds a bright pop of color and a fresh finish right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta shape and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Give it a quick drain when it’s done, and set it aside—your pasta is ready and waiting to soak up that rich, creamy sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, letting it brown beautifully for 6 to 8 minutes. Cook until it’s no longer pink and any excess moisture has evaporated, ensuring the beef is flavorful, tender, and ready to infuse your Alfredo with hearty richness.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic right into the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for about a minute—just enough to become fragrant but not browned. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, infusing the beef with richness and a hint of sweet nuttiness.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything into a beautifully creamy base. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring—watch as the sauce transforms into a silky, dreamy consistency that clings perfectly to noodles.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked pasta straight to the skillet, and toss everything together, making sure every piece is gloriously coated in creamy sauce and savory beef. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough to heat through and let the flavors meld. Finish with plenty of chopped parsley for that fresh, inviting finish and serve while it’s still warm and luscious.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Nothing completes Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta like a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. If you want a little zip, a light pinch of red pepper flakes or a few twists of cracked black pepper will really make the dish sing.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect, refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are wonderful for soaking up any extra sauce, while lightly steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach can add both color and nutrition to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party spin, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with microgreens, or finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch. Want to make it a family-style event? Heap the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta onto a big platter and let everyone dig in straight from the center of the table—that’s comfort food at its best.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours after serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day. It will keep well for up to three days in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, let it cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to two months. Just know that creamy sauces can separate slightly after freezing, but a gentle stir when reheating brings them right back to life.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway through. Either way, heat gently and avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth and the pasta tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While ground beef delivers heartiness and robust flavor, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. Just adjust the seasoning as needed for your protein of choice.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! Half-and-half will work in a pinch for a lighter sauce, or you can use whole milk with an extra knob of butter for added richness. The Alfredo will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious.

How do I add vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even peas near the end of cooking. They add color, texture, and a pop of freshness to your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the flavor and creaminess without the gluten.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your Alfredo sauce thickens more than you’d like, just stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or a little milk until you reach your desired consistency. This trick guarantees a silky, pourable sauce every time.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick comfort food that feels both cozy and indulgent, this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is sure to make its way into your regular meal rotation. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for sharing with the people you love most—give it a try this week and savor every creamy, savory bite!

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Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in a decadent and comforting meal with this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. Rich and satisfying, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini)

Ground Beef Mixture:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Make Sauce: Add butter, cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer until creamy.
  4. Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated. Simmer briefly.
  5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Enhance with steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg

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