Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Whipping up a delightful ground beef alfredo pasta promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this quick and satisfying meal.

Home cooks appreciate how simple flavors create something extraordinary.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta with luxurious smoothness.

Perfectly seasoned beef adds substantial protein to make dinner feel complete.

Weeknight magic happens when classic Italian-inspired dishes come together effortlessly.

Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Companions

Pairing Perfect Ground Beef Alfredo Partners

• Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes to complement the creamy sauce and rich beef flavors. The wine's acidity cuts through the pasta's richness beautifully.
• Bright Arugula Salad Sidekick: Toss a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the heavy, creamy pasta dish. The peppery arugula provides a delightful contrast to the rich sauce.
• Roasted Garlic Bread Teammate: Serve crusty, warm garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up extra sauce and add a crunchy texture. The garlic's intensity matches the dish's savory profile perfectly.
• Zesty Pinot Noir Playmate: Choose a light-bodied red wine with subtle fruit notes that won't overpower the creamy sauce. Its smooth tannins work wonderfully with the ground beef's robust flavor.

Pumpkin Energy Bar Ingredient Twists

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free fettuccine or zucchini noodles to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste and texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized cauliflower or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy Alfredo essence.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free recipe that still delivers incredible creaminess.

FAQs

• Is ground beef a good protein choice for this pasta dish?

Ground beef adds rich flavor and provides hearty protein, making the Alfredo pasta more filling and satisfying for meat lovers who want a complete meal in one dish.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, lean ground beef, or ground chicken work perfectly in this recipe. Each meat option will slightly change the dish’s flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture.

• What if I want to make the sauce less rich?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce calories and fat content. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy and delicious.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add it to the sauce on low heat, stirring constantly. This technique helps the cheese melt smoothly and prevents separation or graininess.

Ground Beef Alfredo That’s Creamy and Weeknight-Ready

• Whip Up Comfort Food: A hearty, creamy pasta dish that delivers ultimate satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or additions like vegetables or different cheese types for personalized meals.
• Speed Through Dinner: One-skillet wonder that comes together super fast, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic flavors children love – beef, pasta, and cheesy sauce – making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta What Goes In

• Fettuccine Pasta: Classic long, flat pasta perfect for creamy sauces.
• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the pasta dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty depth to the Alfredo sauce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley: Provides cooking lubrication and fresh finishing touch.

Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Cooking Directions

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop in fettuccine and cook until tender but still firm, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Toss ground beef into the pan and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spatula. Cook until beef turns golden brown and loses its pink color, about 5-7 minutes. If excess grease appears, drain using a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the beef and stir continuously. Let garlic dance and release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes, creating a mouth-watering aroma.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir ingredients until sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Transfer cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Gently fold pasta through the sauce, ensuring every strand becomes beautifully coated.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Distribute pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Alfredo Pasta Tips with Creamy Ground Beef Flavor

• Drain Pasta Perfectly: Rinse fettuccine in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Reduce Fat Smartly: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to cut down on excess grease while maintaining rich flavor in the dish.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Grate Parmesan cheese freshly and add it gradually to the sauce, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the overall taste profile of the Alfredo sauce.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier version that still maintains a creamy texture.

Keep Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Prevents bacterial growth and maintains flavor.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or milk. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Warm slowly, mixing occasionally until pasta reaches desired temperature, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible creamy ground beef alfredo pasta delivers rich, comforting flavors in one skillet. Hearty protein and silky sauce combine for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for hungry families seeking delicious dinner solutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, allowing fettuccine to dance and soften into tender al dente strands within 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve the pasta.
2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil’s warmth, introducing ground beef to sizzle and transform. Methodically fragment the meat while it browns, ensuring a rich caramelized texture across 5-7 minutes.
3. Expel any lingering fatty residue from the skillet, then welcome minced garlic to release its aromatic essence for a brief 1-2 minute interlude.
4. Gently reduce the skillet’s temperature, cascading heavy cream into the meaty landscape. Whisk grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning until a velvety sauce emerges, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Tenderly unite the reserved fettuccine with the creamy sauce, gently rotating the pasta to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously coated.
6. Transfer the sumptuous creation onto waiting plates, crowning the dish with a delicate sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose thick fettuccine or linguine for better sauce absorption and authentic Italian texture.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
• Freshly grated Parmesan delivers richer flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for varied nutritional profiles.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg