Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a delightful ground beef alfredo pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers crave this rich, satisfying meal that combines hearty protein with silky sauce.

Tender beef mingles with velvety cream, creating a luxurious dining experience.

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when this dish simmers on the stove.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Cheese melts perfectly, coating each pasta strand with irresistible flavor.

Why Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Is So Tasty

  • Satisfy Meat Lovers: Packed with juicy ground beef, this pasta delivers a protein-packed punch that will make carnivores cheer.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-skillet preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families seeking delicious dinners.
  • Create Comfort Food Magic: Creamy Alfredo sauce combined with tender pasta offers a luxurious, indulgent meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
  • Quick Family Feast: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe transforms standard ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that adds richness to the pasta dish.
Pasta:
  • Fettuccine: A classic long, flat pasta that perfectly holds the creamy sauce.
Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients create a luxurious and smooth Alfredo sauce with deep, cheesy flavor.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides aromatic depth to the sauce.
Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and subtle flavor.

How To Prepare Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

In a spacious skillet, sizzle the ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color. Carefully drain away any lingering fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil the fettuccine in a pot of salted water, following the package guidelines. Cook until the pasta reaches that ideal al dente texture – tender yet firm. Drain and set aside, ready to become the star of your meal.

Step 3: Unleash Garlic Magic

Return to the same skillet and introduce a pat of butter and freshly minced garlic. Let them dance together, releasing an intoxicating aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Ingredients for the Sauce:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Create Dreamy Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir with enthusiasm until the cheese melts completely, transforming into a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to every surface.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture. Toss until every strand is generously embraced by the sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and a whisper of black pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the steaming pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Expert Tips For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining, which helps create a smoother, silkier sauce if the mixture becomes too thick.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce for maximum flavor and creamier texture compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Use whole wheat fettuccine for a more nutritious alternative that adds fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
  • Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after mixing with sauce to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Flavor Variations For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Spicy Southwest Beef Alfredo: Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Beef Alfredo: Mix in roasted red peppers, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Mushroom Lovers Beef Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, add thyme, and mix in sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Smoky Bacon Ranch Beef Alfredo: Crisp chopped bacon, stir in ranch seasoning, and top with green onions for a smoky, tangy variation.

Best Pairings For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Pair Zesty Sangria: A fruity red wine cocktail cuts through the richness of the creamy Alfredo, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate with every sip.
  • Complement Crisp Green Salad: A light, tangy salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint to the heavy, creamy pasta, balancing the meal's richness.
  • Match Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety pasta sauce and absorbs extra sauce deliciously.
  • Enhance Chilled Pinot Grigio: This light, crisp white wine's subtle acidity helps cut through the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious dining experience with its clean, bright flavor profile.

Storage Instructions For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or butter to help restore the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs On Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Is ground beef necessary for this Alfredo pasta?

Ground beef adds protein and extra flavor to the classic Alfredo, making the dish more filling and satisfying as a complete meal.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fettuccine?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or spaghetti without changing the overall recipe’s taste and texture.

  • What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block provides the most authentic flavor and melts more smoothly compared to pre-grated cheese in a container.

  • How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground beef with a lower fat percentage.

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Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent ground beef alfredo pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending rich Italian-American flavors in one satisfying dish. Cheesy, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned beef create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Main Starches:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) fettuccine pasta

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains. Eliminate excess grease by draining completely.
  2. Simultaneously prepare fettuccine in boiling salted water until perfectly tender, following package timing recommendations. Reserve pasta after draining.
  3. Return skillet to medium heat and melt butter, introducing minced garlic. Sauté until aromatic and golden, releasing rich fragrance.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking smoothly with Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
  5. Gently fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta strand becomes luxuriously coated. Enhance flavors with precise salt and pepper seasoning.
  6. Transfer the decadent ground beef Alfredo to serving plates, creating an inviting presentation. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for vibrant color and herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
  • Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
  • Consider using whole wheat pasta for added nutritional value and fiber content.
  • Add extra Parmesan cheese on top for more intense cheesy flavor just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 888
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 60 g
  • Saturated Fat: 29 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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