Short Description

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a velvety Alfredo sauce infused with flavorful ground beef. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick yet indulgent dinner that the whole family will love. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich and Comforting – The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with seasoned ground beef, creating a satisfying meal.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will enjoy this delicious, cheesy pasta.
Versatile – Easily customize with different pasta types, seasonings, or vegetables.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are readily available.

Ingredients

Pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rotini work well)
Ground beef
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Cream cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add Dairy Ingredients: Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Add cream cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully combined and the sauce thickens.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring to coat with the Alfredo sauce.
Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Variations

Use a Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Try a Different Cheese: Substitute some of the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique twist.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use a jar of Alfredo sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce provides a fresher and richer flavor.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are great choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce may thicken when stored. Reheat with a little extra cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef or turkey, and swap heavy cream for a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this Alfredo pasta gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water or milk while stirring.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be less rich. Consider adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

Does this dish reheat well?

Yes, but add a little liquid when reheating to prevent the sauce from drying out.

What kind of ground beef should I use?

Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is an easy, comforting meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to please. Try it out today and enjoy a creamy, savory pasta dish that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection!

Print