Name: Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb ground beef (For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper (To taste); Fresh parsley (For garnish, optional.)

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There is something irresistibly satisfying about a bowl of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. This dish combines tender fettuccine pasta with rich, velvety Alfredo sauce and savory browned ground beef for a flavor-packed meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or an impressive yet easy dish to share with friends, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites thanks to its luscious texture and savory depth.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that work together to deliver incredible flavor and creaminess. Each item in the list below plays a vital role, from the cheesy creaminess of Parmesan to the savory punch of garlic and perfectly cooked pasta providing that essential base.

8 oz fettuccine pasta: Classic choice for Alfredo, with ribbons that hold onto the sauce beautifully.
1 lb ground beef: Ideal for rich, meaty flavor; substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with pungent warmth and depth.
1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy texture, creating that signature Alfredo richness.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts perfectly to add sharp, salty, nutty flavors to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness on top for that finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add your fettuccine and cook it just until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the package. Don’t forget to give it a taste test to nail the perfect texture. Drain your pasta well and set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with all that delicious sauce in the next steps.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly and develop those deep, savory flavors that make this dish irresistible. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is beautifully caramelized and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Aromatics

Once the beef looks perfectly browned, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it along with the beef for another 1 to 2 minutes, just enough for the garlic to soften and release its fragrant aroma without burning. This step is crucial because it layers the flavor, turning a simple sauce into something mouthwatering.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, mixing well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens into a creamy, luscious coating. The cheese’s sharpness paired with the herbs turns this sauce into the ultimate comfort factor.

Step 5: Season and Combine with Pasta

Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste. Add your cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure every strand of pasta is cloaked in that silky sauce and studded with flavorful bits of beef. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it perfectly.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta straight from the pan while it’s bubbling hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top not only adds a vibrant green color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of freshness to the creamy, cheesy pasta. For an extra touch, some freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving keeps the flavors bright and inviting.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are amazing additions to mop up every bit of that heavenly Alfredo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce, or layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes until golden for a cozy baked twist. For a fun party platter, portion it into individual ramekins garnished with herbs and Parmesan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days which makes an excellent quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Although Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze the pasta in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well after warming to help bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to revive the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid overheating and curdling the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Although fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that thicker noodles hold the sauce best.

Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta?

Yes, you can lighten it up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream. Just be aware that it might be a bit less rich but still very tasty.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to maintain that savory, hearty feel while keeping it meat-free.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese gradually over low heat and avoid boiling the cream once the cheese is in, as high heat can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy. Stir continuously to keep it smooth and velvety.

What wines pair well with this creamy pasta?

Creamy dishes like this go beautifully with crisp white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which cut through the richness and complement the garlic and Parmesan notes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy comfort with hearty goodness, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing any night of the week. Once you experience that silky sauce wrapped around tender beef and pasta, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta combines tender fettuccine with savory browned ground beef in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Infused with Italian seasoning and finished with a touch of fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz fettuccine pasta

Meat and Sauce

1 lb ground beef (For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (To taste)

Garnish

Fresh parsley (For garnish, optional.)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter alternative, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
If the sauce thickens too much, reserve some pasta water to loosen it.
Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor, but is optional.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American