Name: Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, look no further than Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. Imagine twirls of fettuccine or penne tangled in a silky-smooth cream sauce, studded with juicy beef and hints of garlic. This family favorite brings together rich flavors and hearty textures in every bite. Best of all, it comes together quickly with everyday ingredients, making it the perfect go-to dish when you crave something both indulgent and easy. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or just want a cozy bowl of deliciousness, Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is sure to satisfy!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe brings its own special touch, working together to create the irresistible layers of taste and texture that make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta stand out. The beauty lies in how simple these staples are, while each one plays an essential role—nothing is extra, everything is just right!

Fettuccine or Penne Pasta (12 oz): Opt for fettuccine for a classic Alfredo experience, or penne if you love those little sauce-filled tubes.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle helps brown the beef beautifully and adds a subtle fruity note.
Ground Beef (1 pound): The star protein—choose 85% lean for a richer flavor that’s still not overly greasy.
Garlic Cloves, Minced (3): Fresh garlic is key—it adds depth, warmth, and mouthwatering aroma.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A little seasoning brings all the flavors above and beyond.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle, savory heat that balances the richness.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): These add just a hint of heat—skip or include depending on your spice preference.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and body.
Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): It’s what makes this Alfredo creamy, dreamy, and downright delicious.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Use freshly grated if you can; it melts better for that swoon-worthy sauce.
Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce just enough so it doesn’t get too heavy but stays luscious.
Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herby backdrop that pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef and cream.
Fresh Parsley, Chopped (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Adds color and a fresh pop to finish this comforting dish.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your fettuccine or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, so it has just a bit of bite left. This ensures the noodles hold up perfectly when coated with that luscious Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta sauce. Once done, drain and set aside—don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water just in case you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency later!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles with your spoon as it cooks. You want rich color on the beef—it’s the foundation of all that hearty flavor in this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick) and let it get fragrant for another minute or two. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Turn the heat down to low and drop in the unsalted butter, letting it melt over the beef. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to blend everything beautifully. Next, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring—the cheese will melt into the sauce, transforming it into a rich, thick coat for your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. Give it about 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens just right.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta straight into your skillet with the sauce and beef. Toss everything together so the noodles soak up every bit of that creamy goodness. Let it all simmer together for a couple more minutes so the flavors really marry. If your sauce feels a little thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s just the way you like it. Stir well so every bite is full of saucy, meaty, cheesy magic.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, scatter the chopped fresh parsley over your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. It brings the dish to life with a hint of color and freshness, perfectly offsetting the richness. Grab some tongs or a big spoon, pile it high in bowls, and serve while everything is warm and velvety. Each bite promises pure comfort!

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishes are the finishing touch that turn Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta from delicious to dazzling. Try a shower of fresh parsley for color, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for more umami, or even some cracked black pepper for a bit of zing. For a restaurant-style look, reserve a little of each garnish and layer it just before bringing the dish to the table—it’s irresistible!

Side Dishes

This indulgent pasta pairs perfectly with lighter, fresh sides. A crisp Caesar salad or some simple sautéed green beans complements the richness of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta beautifully. Warm garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser for soaking up sauce, while roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add balance and texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta in individual ramekins or pasta bowls with fresh parsley and Parmesan at the table, letting everyone customize their topping. If you’re hosting, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a colorful veggie upgrade, or drizzle a little truffle oil for special occasions. You can even plate it family-style on a big platter for cozy, shared comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store any extra Parmesan and parsley separately to keep things fresh when you reheat.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, although the sauce may change texture a bit after thawing. Spoon cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s creaminess and stir frequently until everything is warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne both work beautifully in Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Short shapes like rigatoni or rotini catch the sauce well, while spaghetti or linguine give a more traditional, twirlable feel.

Can I lighten up the sauce?

If you’d like a lighter version, try substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk, or use whole milk only. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to bulk things up while trimming back on richness.

Is it possible to make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most cream, cheese, and meat ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels if you’re sensitive to cross-contamination.

What proteins can I use instead of ground beef?

This recipe is super flexible. Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage if you want to change things up. You can even go meatless by using crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian twist.

How can I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?

The key for the smoothest, silkiest Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is to use freshly grated Parmesan and add it in gradually over low heat so it melts evenly. Also, keep the sauce gently simmering—not boiling—while you combine everything.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta—it’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights special without a lot of fuss. Every spoonful is a warm invitation to slow down and savor. Gather your favorite people, set the table, and prepare for lots of happy, satisfied smiles!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this savory Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. With tender pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce and seasoned ground beef, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Ground Beef:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add butter, heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir until thickened.
Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, cook briefly until heated through. Garnish with parsley.