Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Heavenly Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Whipping up a delightful ground beef alfredo pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Cheese lovers will adore this creamy combination of rich flavors and comforting ingredients.

Pasta enthusiasts know how quickly a simple dish becomes extraordinary with the right technique.

Home cooks can master this recipe without complicated steps or specialized skills.

Savory beef mingles perfectly with silky alfredo sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal everyone will request again.

Mediterranean herbs could add an unexpected twist to this classic comfort food.

Hunger calls – let’s get cooking and create something deliciously memorable!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Must-Trys

  • Conquer Complex Flavors: Minimal cooking skills required, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with rich, creamy textures and hearty beef notes.
  • Streamline Weeknight Dinners: One-pan preparation eliminates multiple dish washing, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a satisfying protein-packed dinner that pleases everyone at the table.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like ground turkey or adding extra vegetables, ensuring adaptability for different dietary preferences and pantry availability.
  • Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Affordable ingredients combine to create a luxurious pasta dish that feels gourmet without breaking the bank, making it perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Ingredients List

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the creamy pasta dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Fettuccine: A classic wide, flat noodle that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Butter: Adds a rich, smooth foundation to the cream sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Provides a warm, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the creamy pasta.

How To Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into small pieces, cooking until completely done with no pink visible. This process takes about 7-8 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and developing a rich flavor.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add fettuccine and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, typically taking 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Base

Remove the beef from the skillet, draining excess fat but leaving a small amount behind. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the pan and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until wonderfully aromatic without browning.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to blend with the garlic and butter. Let the sauce simmer, watching it thicken slightly and develop a luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir until:
  • Cheese melts completely
  • Sauce becomes smooth
  • Beef is evenly distributed

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Add salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet. Toss thoroughly, ensuring each pasta strand is completely coated with the creamy beef sauce. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Smart Tips For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Drain Pasta Perfectly: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Prevent Beef Dryness: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
  • Enhance Garlic Flavor: Gently toast garlic in butter without browning to release aromatic oils and prevent bitter undertones.
  • Control Sauce Thickness: Simmer cream sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve smooth, silky texture.
  • Elevate Final Presentation: Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and professional touch.

Twists You Can Try For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Substitute traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce Adaptation: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and create a lighter, tangier sauce texture.
  • Spicy Beef Fettuccine Remix: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of sriracha to introduce a fiery kick to the creamy beef pasta.

Best Matches For Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, creamy beef sauce and cut through its heaviness.
  • Enhance with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce and add a crunchy texture that perfectly accompanies the creamy fettuccine.
  • Recommend Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water with a lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds during this hearty meal.

Saving Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta For Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or cream to restore moisture. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Stir gently and continuously until heated through, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Your Questions On Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Is this dish considered a comfort food?

Yes, the creamy sauce, tender beef, and pasta combination make it a classic comfort meal that feels hearty and satisfying.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Fettuccine works best, but you can substitute with similar wide noodles like linguine or pappardelle for similar texture and sauce coverage.

  • How can I make this dish less rich?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining flavor.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

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Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent creamy ground beef alfredo pasta delivers comfort with bold Italian-American fusion flavors. Hearty pasta promises rich, cheesy satisfaction that promises to elevate weeknight dinner experiences.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 16 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream

supporting ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter

seasoning and garnish:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  3. Remove the ground beef from the skillet, drain excess fat, and set the meat aside, leaving a small amount of residual fat in the pan.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and add butter, allowing it to melt completely. Mince garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to combine with the garlic and butter. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate the cooked ground beef back into the cream sauce, stirring to ensure even distribution. Sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Drain the cooked pasta and add directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand with the creamy beef sauce.
  9. Transfer the completed dish to a serving platter and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter sauce without compromising flavor depth.
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and provides a richer taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Customize the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and texture variation.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by substituting regular fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 752
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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