Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe

If you love comfort food but want something beyond the expected, Ground Beef Alfredo is about to become your most-cooked weeknight hero. This dish combines rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with savory ground beef and perfectly tender pasta, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Best of all, it’s quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking to treat yourself to a cozy dinner, Ground Beef Alfredo brings the magic of Italian-American flavor right to your table with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef Alfredo is found in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create bold flavors and a luscious, creamy texture. Each ingredient plays a special part, from the savory depth of ground beef to the nutty sharpness of Parmesan, building a sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.

• Ground beef (1 pound): Provides heartiness and a savory, meaty base for the sauce—choose leaner beef if you prefer less fat.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the Alfredo with warmth and irresistible fragrance—fresh garlic really makes a difference here.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the cream and beef.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing, it brings a subtle fruitiness and helps meld the aromatics with the beef.
• Heavy cream (2 cups): This is the secret to that dreamy Alfredo texture—use full-fat cream for maximum silkiness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds umami power and thickens the sauce; grate fresh for best melting and flavor.
• Fettuccine or your favorite pasta (8 ounces): The pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for the creamy, beefy sauce—choose classic fettuccine for a traditional vibe.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and pulls everything together.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right note of earthiness and a tiny kick.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you like gentle heat, this is your secret weapon—start with less and work up.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Set a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook your fettuccine (or other pasta) according to the package instructions until just al dente. Draining the pasta a minute shy of doneness ensures it won’t get mushy when tossed with the creamy Alfredo sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it turns translucent and starts to release its natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—your kitchen will instantly start to smell incredible.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown all over and cook through completely, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it off for a lighter, silkier Alfredo sauce.

Step 4: Build the Alfredo Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked beef and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the cream, forming a smooth, luxurious sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything gently to help the noodles soak up every bit of the Alfredo and beef goodness. Let it cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so everything is piping hot and perfectly coated. Just before serving, shower the whole thing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a final layer of flavor.

How to Serve Ground Beef Alfredo

Garnishes

The finishing touches make Ground Beef Alfredo shine! A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley add flavor, color, and that irresistible restaurant-style feel. For a little extra heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes will do the trick.

Side Dishes

Balance out this creamy, savory pasta with light sides like a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or crisp roasted vegetables. Warm garlic bread is always a classic pairing, great for soaking up every drop of Alfredo sauce left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Ground Beef Alfredo in individual pasta bowls, top with cherry tomatoes for extra color, or add a swirl of balsamic reduction for a dramatic finish. Hosting a dinner party? Try ladling the pasta into a large serving dish and letting everyone help themselves family-style for a cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftover Ground Beef Alfredo to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making quick lunches or easy dinners a breeze.

Freezing

While you can freeze Ground Beef Alfredo, keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Stir gently until warmed through, avoiding high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, any pasta shape you love will work. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just adjust the cooking time as needed for your chosen pasta.

Is it possible to lighten up the Alfredo sauce?

Yes! For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or even use whole milk in a pinch. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still deliciously creamy.

How can I add more veggies to Ground Beef Alfredo?

Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or steamed broccoli make wonderful add-ins. Just toss them into the skillet with the sauce for added nutrition and bursts of color.

What kind of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean or medium-ground beef works great—look for 85% or 90% lean to avoid too much extra fat, which can make the sauce greasy. Just be sure to drain excess fat before adding the cream!

Can I make Ground Beef Alfredo ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the sauce and beef ahead, and store separately from the cooked pasta to prevent sogginess. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together in a skillet and warm through with a splash of cream or milk.

Final Thoughts

With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and hearty beef, Ground Beef Alfredo is a true weeknight winner. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Keep this one in your back pocket for those nights when you want home-cooked comfort with minimal effort—delicious memories guaranteed!

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