If you’re ready for the ultimate comfort-food pasta night, you have to try this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. This dish is the perfect medley of savory ground beef, velvety Alfredo sauce, and twirly noodles—it’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in just about half an hour. Every forkful is rich and luscious, making it ideal for cozy family dinners, impressive date nights, or even those “just because” evenings when only a warm bowl of creamy pasta will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta so irresistible? It’s all about the classic, no-fuss ingredients that bring layers of flavor and texture to every bite. From perfectly cooked pasta to savory beef and creamy cheese, each component has its special role in the lineup.
- Pasta: Use 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne for a perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio and a satisfyingly hearty base.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon gets the beef sizzling and adds a subtle richness from the get-go.
- Ground Beef: A generous pound provides protein, savory flavor, and that crave-worthy texture.
- Garlic: Three fresh cloves, minced, bring a punch of aromatic warmth to the whole dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons melt into the pan, creating a silky roux for your Alfredo sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two tablespoons help the sauce thicken up beautifully without lumps.
- Heavy Cream: With 1½ cups, expect a decadently rich, creamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Milk: One cup lightens things up just a touch while keeping the sauce ultra-smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, one cup melts into dreamy, savory goodness—please skip the pre-shredded stuff if you can!
- Italian Seasoning: A half teaspoon infuses the sauce with cozy, herby notes.
- Salt: Just half a teaspoon, so all the flavors pop without being overwhelming.
- Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon rounds out the flavor with a little warmth.
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brings a lively color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—tender, but still with a bit of bite. This keeps your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta from becoming too soft once it’s added to the sauce. Drain well and set aside, tossing with a touch of olive oil if you want to prevent sticking while you get the sauce going.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and fully done. If there’s excess fat, drain most of it off (but leave a touch for flavor). This step lays the flavorful, savory foundation for your sauce, and the little crispy bits that form on the pan? Absolutely delicious.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Roux
Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant—this quick sauté unlocks that mouthwatering, garlicky aroma. Next, melt the butter in the empty space of the pan, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. The roux acts as the backbone to your Alfredo, thickening up the sauce and giving it that iconic creamy texture.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Now add the freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the cheese melts into the sauce—watch it transform into that unforgettable, silky Alfredo perfection.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Stir the ground beef back into the creamy sauce, mixing well so every bit is coated. Now, add your cooked pasta straight to the skillet. Toss and turn everything in the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes over low heat; this lets the flavors meld beautifully, and makes sure every noodle is properly hugged by that luxurious Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Garnishes
Give your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta the perfect finishing touch with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and vibrance. For extra decadence, add a little more freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. If you like a gentle kick, crack a hint of black pepper or add a few red pepper flakes on top. The little details take this dish from delicious to restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is gorgeous alongside the richness of this pasta. Crusty bread or classic garlic bread is practically irresistible—perfect for soaking up every bit of Alfredo sauce. Roasted vegetables, especially broccoli or asparagus, add a lovely crunch and a welcome splash of color to your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into comfort or amp up the fancy presentation—both work with this recipe! Try serving individual portions in shallow bowls, giving each one a parsley crown and plenty of cheese. Or, for a family-style moment, pile the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta onto a large platter, sprinkle generously with parsley and Parmesan, and let everyone help themselves. Little ramekins or gratin dishes make it perfect for parties or potlucks, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but the flavors get even more delicious with time. It makes a wonderful next-day lunch or casual dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, but keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool the pasta completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Warm leftover pasta gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore that silky texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as too much heat can cause the sauce to break.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classic choices for Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti—just adjust the cooking time and go for your favorite shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use all milk for a lighter (though less rich) version. Reduced-fat Parmesan works in a pinch, but fresh is always best for taste and meltability.
Can I add vegetables to Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta?
Go for it! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas are delicious additions and add extra nutrition and color. Simply stir them in with the sauce or beef before mixing with the pasta.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
This dish is super versatile—try ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a twist. Just brown as you would the beef, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
How do I keep the sauce from getting lumpy?
The secret is to add the cream and milk gradually to the roux, whisking constantly. This helps everything blend smoothly. Also, using room-temperature dairy and freshly grated cheese will ensure your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta stays lusciously creamy.
Final Thoughts
There is something magical about a bowl of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta: it’s satisfying, endlessly adaptable, and so easy to put together. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave comfort food that everyone will love—who knows, it might just become your new weeknight favorite!
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Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this flavorful Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. A satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil, add garlic, then set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Make a roux with butter and flour, then add cream, milk, Parmesan, seasonings, and beef.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, use all heavy cream instead of milk.
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more texture and flavor.
- This dish reheats well—add a splash of milk when warming to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
