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