If you’re in the mood for a hearty, creamy, and totally comforting dinner, then this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is exactly what you need. Picture this: savory ground beef simmered in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, all served over tender pasta. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that comes together in no time and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Trust me, your whole family will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s something about the creamy Alfredo sauce that pairs so perfectly with the savory flavor of ground beef. This dish is packed with flavor, and the rich, smooth sauce coats each bite of pasta just right. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, comforting hug—creamy, filling, and full of warmth. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and creamy pasta:
- Ground beef (lean or regular, depending on your preference)
- Fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best taste)
- Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil
For the full ingredient list, check the recipe below!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. For fettuccine, this usually takes about 9-10 minutes. When the pasta is done, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining it (this helps make your sauce extra creamy) and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, allowing it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes. The cream will thicken up slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese to the Sauce
Once the cream has simmered and thickened a bit, add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese has melted completely into the sauce. If you want an even creamier sauce, you can add some shredded mozzarella cheese here as well. Stir everything together until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
Step 5: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Then, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure to coat the pasta evenly in that creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce, serve it up hot. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese tends to be drier and doesn’t melt as well.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
- Cook the Beef Well: For the best flavor, make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Don’t rush this step—it adds tons of flavor to the dish.
- Use Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is your best friend when it comes to adjusting the sauce. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta, making it extra creamy and delicious.
- Add Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, you can toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas along with the pasta for extra texture and nutrients.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great as a substitute for the beef.
- Add Veggies: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even broccoli for some added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re gluten-free, swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the recipe will still taste amazing.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make this dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy pasta dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides to complement it:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or roasted tomatoes make a great side and add some color and flavor to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine is the classic choice, you can use any type of pasta you like—penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can make the sauce and cook the ground beef ahead of time, then just toss it all together with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Can I make this with a different meat? Definitely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress your guests, this one is sure to become a favorite. With the perfect balance of savory beef, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender pasta, this dish has it all. Grab a fork and enjoy every bite!
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta: A Comforting Dinner Everyone Will Love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Description
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a hearty and rich dish that combines the comforting flavors of a creamy Alfredo sauce with savory ground beef. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this pasta dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor, featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan. With a boost of protein from the ground beef, it’s a filling and satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for seasoning the beef)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for seasoning the beef)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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Cook the ground beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
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Make the Alfredo sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
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Combine the pasta and beef: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat. Then, add the cooked ground beef and onions into the sauce and pasta, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
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Serve: Divide the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta among plates and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- If you prefer a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef.
- You can also add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for added texture and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg