Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Quick & Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a delectable ground beef alfredo pasta brings comfort and excitement to any dinner table.

Pasta lovers appreciate how this dish combines rich, velvety sauce with hearty meat.

Creamy textures mingle with savory flavors that dance across your palate.

You can easily master this recipe with simple ingredients and quick preparation techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate the classic alfredo to something truly special.

Cheesy, meaty, and utterly satisfying, this meal promises to become a family favorite.

Follow these steps to create a restaurant-worthy dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What You Need for Beef Alfredo Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A classic pasta that holds the sauce perfectly.
  • Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful meat for protein.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich base for creating a smooth Alfredo sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth to the sauce.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings for enhanced flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds warmth to the dish.
  • Nutmeg: Subtle spice that complements the creamy sauce.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat for browning the beef.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional green garnish for color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook the beef until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Once cooked, transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic essence.

Pour in heavy cream and let it gently simmer.

Slowly incorporate:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • A pinch of nutmeg

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes thick and velvety, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Merge Flavors Together

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the creamy sauce.

Add the prepared pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the rich Alfredo sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for a final touch of decadence.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting meal.

Tips for Making Alfredo Pasta Even Better

  • Choose high-quality pasta like fettuccine or penne for best texture and sauce absorption.
  • Drain excess beef fat after browning to prevent a greasy sauce and maintain a lighter dish.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese freshly and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth sauce consistency.
  • Simmer cream gently to prevent separation and maintain a silky, consistent Alfredo sauce.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor to the rich pasta.

Storing & Reheating Your Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Store leftover Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
  • Revive pasta's creamy texture by reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain flavor and consistency.

What to Serve with Beef Alfredo Pasta

  • Uncork Italian Red Wine Harmony: Pair this rich, creamy pasta with a robust Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the dish's heaviness and complements its meaty, cheesy notes.
  • Brighten with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the pasta's creamy, dense texture and balance the meal's richness.
  • Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted zucchini or asparagus spears to add a subtle, earthy vegetable dimension that elevates the pasta's flavor profile and adds nutritional variety.
  • Refresh with Crisp White Wine Option: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cleanse the palate and offer a bright, acidic counterpoint to the dish's creamy, hearty composition.

Pasta Flavor Twists with Ground Beef Alfredo

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that reduces calories and adds vegetable nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice as a base, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the same creamy beef experience.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to create a meatless version that maintains the dish's rich, satisfying texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce suitable for dairy-free diets.

FAQs

  • What kind of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef like 90/10 or 85/15 is ideal. It provides great flavor without excess grease and helps create a cleaner, more balanced sauce.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work perfectly. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and matches your preference.

  • Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use lower-fat Parmesan, and choose leaner ground beef to reduce overall calories and fat content.

  • How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the ground beef before adding the sauce. These additions will boost nutrition and add extra flavor to the dish.

Why Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Stands Out

Why Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Stands Out
  • Family-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine classic ground beef with rich Alfredo sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • One-Skillet Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses just one pan from start to finish, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, changing pasta types, or experimenting with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
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Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Succulent Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta promises a comforting Italian-American fusion of rich, velvety sauce and hearty protein. Pasta lovers will savor this quick, indulgent meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to home kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish and Cooking Fat:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta in a generously sized pot according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef, breaking into delicate crumbles while cooking until rich golden brown. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a separate plate.
  3. In the identical skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing its fragrant essence for approximately 60 seconds.
  4. Gently pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg, stirring consistently until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously thick consistency.
  5. Reintroduce the previously cooked ground beef into the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  6. Fold the drained pasta into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the velvety Alfredo sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.
  7. Present the dish adorned with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while steaming hot, inviting diners to savor this decadent culinary creation.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that still packs incredible flavor.
  • Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and introduce more texture to the dish.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy comfort meal.
  • Reduce sauce richness by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, creating a slightly lighter yet still delicious Alfredo experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 730
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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