If you are craving a luscious, comforting dish that feels like a big warm hug in every bite, this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender ground beef with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that’s indulgent yet straightforward. This recipe brings restaurant-quality creaminess home with simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture, making it an absolute favorite for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe lies in its humble yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own character—from the juicy ground beef adding hearty depth, to the Parmesan cheese delivering that unmistakable creamy tang. These components come together quickly but create an unforgettable harmony of flavors and textures.
- Ground beef (1 lb or 450 g): The star protein providing savory richness and satisfying bite.
- Small onion, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and a subtle aromatic base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the dish with warm, fragrant depth.
- Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing to add richness and help develop flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup or 240 ml): Creates the silky, luscious body of the Alfredo sauce.
- Whole milk (1 cup or 240 ml): Lightens and balances the creaminess for a smooth, velvety texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup or 100 g): Brings the distinctive sharp, nutty flavor that makes Alfredo sauce iconic.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the garlic flavor with a mild punch.
- Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Adds a concentrated onion flavor for more depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight the dish’s flavors.
- Pasta (8 oz or 225 g): Choose fettuccine, penne, or your favorite variety to soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Provides a fresh, herbal note and lovely color contrast as garnish.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this ensures your pasta cooks perfectly seasoned from the inside out. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite that holds up well when tossed with sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of this heavenly dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create a luscious base for the beef. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns evenly—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning not only develops rich flavor through the Maillard reaction but also gives your pasta an irresistible meaty texture. Drain any excess fat if necessary; then set the beef aside for a moment to prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for the beef, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and aromas, creating a perfect flavor foundation for your sauce. Next, stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce and stir until it’s completely melted and smooth. This not only thickens the sauce but infuses it with that signature sharp and nutty taste that makes the Alfredo so irresistible. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each spoonful sings with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Pasta
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with your luscious Alfredo sauce, stirring to combine the hearty beef with the creamy base. Then, add the drained pasta and toss everything until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce, ensuring every bite delivers maximum creaminess and flavor harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like, which adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness to cut through the richness perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch—its vibrant green adds a lovely visual pop and a subtle fresh note. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for those who can’t get enough cheesy goodness. For an extra dash of color and flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta enjoys wonderful company with a crisp green salad drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette, which nicely balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel even more comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant finish, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and top each with a freshly cracked black pepper and a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You can also add roasted vegetables like asparagus or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for variety and a splash of color, turning this crowd-pleaser into a personalized culinary experience every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken and the pasta may absorb some of the liquid, but gently reheating with a splash of milk or cream will bring back that original creamy texture beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Because Alfredo sauce contains dairy, it’s best to reheat it slowly to prevent separation. Consider freezing the pasta and sauce separately if possible for best results when thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. This careful approach ensures the cream remains silky without curdling, delivering a dish almost as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are fantastic for holding onto Alfredo sauce, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it maintains a nice bite when tossed with the sauce and beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe without dairy?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy to achieve its creamy texture and rich flavor. However, you can experiment with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk, but keep in mind the flavor and consistency may differ slightly from the classic.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering or sprinkle some chopped jalapeños on top when serving. A dash of hot sauce mixed in also gives a nice kick without overpowering the creamy goodness.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce and cooked beef in advance, then store them separately. Combine and reheat with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently so the sauce heats evenly and stays creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe brings comfort and satisfaction to the table with such ease. It’s a dish that feels like a big, warm embrace after a hectic day and yet is simple enough to whip up anytime. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes one of your go-to recipes for a delicious, creamy dinner that everyone will rave about!
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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: Italian-American
Description
This creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta combines tender ground beef with a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce, tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- 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. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, and onion powder, then let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Then add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though this will reduce some creaminess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a hint of spice.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
