Cozy Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a delightful ground beef alfredo pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers crave rich, satisfying meals that don’t demand complex cooking skills.

Hearty beef melts into a silky sauce, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Cheese and cream combine with perfectly seasoned meat for a mouthwatering experience.

Italian-inspired ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Kitchen novices and experienced cooks alike will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to eat, keeping the pasta fresh and preventing sogginess.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work perfectly. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, substitute half the heavy cream with milk, or add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value. Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

• What cheese alternatives can I use if I don't have Parmesan?

Romano cheese is an excellent substitute with a similar sharp flavor. You can also use pecorino or a blend of hard cheeses like asiago and grana padano.

Why This Beef Alfredo Pasta Hits the Spot

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Masterfully blend ground beef with classic Alfredo sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home without professional cooking skills.
• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Transform basic ingredients into a satisfying one-skillet meal that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor for hungry families.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, swapping protein types, or adjusting seasoning to match personal taste preferences.
• Quick Comfort Food Solution: Prepare a hearty, creamy pasta dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, providing a delicious homemade alternative to standard weeknight meals.

What You Need for Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for this creamy and hearty dish.

• Ground Beef: A rich and satisfying meat that adds substantial flavor and protein to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and smooth texture to the Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall creaminess of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the depth of flavors in the dish.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm undertone to the Alfredo sauce.

• Garlic: Brings a pungent and fragrant element to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh finish to the creamy pasta.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the ground beef and prevent sticking.

Making Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain completely and set aside, ready to be transformed into a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Ground Beef

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.

Transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create the Dreamy Alfredo Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutmeg

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and a touch of nutmeg.

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes thick and luxuriously smooth.

Step 4: Merge the Magic

Reunite the cooked ground beef with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Toss in the prepared pasta, ensuring every single noodle gets coated in the rich, velvety sauce. Give a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Dish out the pasta into warm plates. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and inviting.

Pro Tips for Alfredo Pasta with Ground Beef

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers rich flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a smoother, more silky sauce if the Alfredo seems too thick.
• Enhance the dish's depth by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat and complexity.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost nutritional value and add more texture to the creamy pasta.
• Prevent sauce separation by using room temperature cream and gradually adding cheese while stirring constantly for a perfectly smooth consistency.

Variations on Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipes

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless version that maintains the creamy texture and satisfying protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea, rice, or quinoa pasta, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and protein elements.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to introduce a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile to the classic Alfredo pasta recipe.

What to Serve with Beef Alfredo Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy beef pasta. These wines cut through the heavy sauce and enhance the meaty flavors perfectly.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, fresh side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's acidity balances the richness of the creamy Alfredo and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The herb-infused bread adds another layer of flavor and texture to the meal, making each bite more satisfying.

Best Way to Store Beef Alfredo Pasta Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this ground beef alfredo pasta, where rich, velvety sauce embraces tender pasta and savory beef. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms souls with each delectable bite you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) fettuccine

Dairy and Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef, crumbling and browning until no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning. Carefully pour heavy cream, allowing it to gently simmer.
4. Whisk grated Parmesan into the cream, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Sprinkle nutmeg and continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Reintroduce browned beef into the creamy mixture, stirring to distribute evenly. Fold pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that reduces calories and saturated fat.
• Add frozen peas or spinach during the final mixing stage to boost nutritional value and introduce vibrant color to the dish.
• Choose whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and create a more nutritionally balanced meal with added complex carbohydrates.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and cheese quantities, ensuring a perfect consistency that clings beautifully to pasta without becoming too heavy or runny.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 788 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg