Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes, Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine silky fettuccine tangled in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, studded with savory ground beef and kissed with garlic and herbs. This dish is hearty, ultra-satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a cozy, homemade meal. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a classic—each forkful delivers all the warmth and flavor you could want in a pasta dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a pop of color, or that irresistible savory note. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture that makes this pasta a true meal.
- Fettuccine (or pasta of choice): Fettuccine’s broad noodles soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully, but any pasta you love will work.
- Butter: Lends richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse the dish with an aromatic backbone.
- Heavy Cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, ensuring every bite is luxuriously smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—this melts into the sauce for that signature cheesy finish.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that brightens up the richness.
- Salt: Brings out every flavor in the dish—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: A gentle kick that balances the creamy sauce.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and a hint of earthiness on top.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine (or chosen pasta) until just al dente, following the package directions. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so nothing sticks! Once it’s perfectly tender with a slight bite, drain the pasta and set it aside. This gives you the ideal texture that holds up when tossed in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta from getting greasy. Set the cooked beef aside for the moment.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet (no need to wash away those tasty browned bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, rich, and creamy—no lumps allowed! This is where your Alfredo dreams come to life.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the luscious Alfredo sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together so each strand is enveloped in that cheesy, beefy goodness. Let it cook for another minute or two to warm through, then serve immediately. If you like, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a finishing touch.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and a subtle herby note to each plate. For extra flair, try a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving—these little touches elevate Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta from delicious to dinner-party-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pairing this rich pasta with a bright, crisp side salad is always a hit; think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar. For a cozy meal, serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or roasted vegetables—broccoli, asparagus, or even sautéed mushrooms are all perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta in individual bowls topped with a swirl of sauce and a sprinkle of herbs. Or, try baking leftovers in a casserole dish with a sprinkle of mozzarella for a bubbly, golden pasta bake. You can even tuck it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful, portable dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a lifesaver for busy days! Let it cool to room temperature, then store portions in airtight containers in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
While Alfredo sauce can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can totally freeze this pasta if needed. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to maintain that luscious creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic, Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta works with penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you love or have in your pantry.
Is it possible to lighten up this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the result will be slightly less rich. Ground turkey also makes a leaner alternative to beef.
How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli when you add the beef back to the skillet. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrition and color.
Can I make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta ahead of time?
You can prep the beef and sauce a day in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and toss everything together for the best texture.
What can I do if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens up too much, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream while tossing the pasta to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta—every bite is pure, creamy satisfaction. Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. I promise, your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe)!
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Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal combining perfectly cooked fettuccine with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and savory browned ground beef. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, featuring garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for that authentic Italian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside temporarily.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and thickened.
- Combine beef and pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir well to combine with the Alfredo sauce. Then add the drained pasta and toss everything together ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Final warming: Cook the combined ingredients for an additional 1–2 minutes on low heat to ensure everything is heated through evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- This recipe works well substituting ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the cheese used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
