Some nights, you just need a dinner that’s creamy, cozy, and comes together without much effort. That’s exactly what this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is all about! It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all while being ridiculously easy to make. Think of it as a mix between a classic Alfredo and a hearty beefy pasta—it’s the best of both worlds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling and fast.
Rich and creamy. The Alfredo sauce coats every bite, making it ultra-satisfying.
Family-friendly. Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or any favorite shape)
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Full list of ingredients is below.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add butter to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture—it melts better than pre-shredded.
Add more flavor by sautéing onions or mushrooms with the beef.
For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor.
Use a store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re in a hurry.
Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables. If you want to make it extra special, serve it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

4 FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat gently with a little extra cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Alfredo sauces don’t always freeze well, but you can freeze the beef mixture separately and add fresh cream when reheating.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work great too.
Can I make this without dairy?
You can use dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a non-dairy version.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something cozy for the weekend, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it once, and you’ll be making it on repeat!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta – A Comforting, Easy Dinner

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This hearty dish combines tender pasta with savory ground beef enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
  - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  - Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
  - Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  - Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
  - Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  - Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the beef mixture.
  - Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  - If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
  - Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve:
  - Divide the pasta into serving bowls or plates.
  - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  - Serve immediately.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after browning the ground beef and before adding the cream.
To incorporate vegetables, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets to the sauce before combining with the pasta.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.