If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes, you are going to adore this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of rich Alfredo sauce paired with savory browned ground beef and tender fettuccine, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any weeknight. Every bite bursts with those familiar creamy, cheesy flavors but with a satisfying meatiness that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding the family or wanting to impress friends, this dish hits all the right notes effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building a luscious sauce and hearty texture. From the creamy dairy to the perfectly seasoned beef, these essentials make the dish both flavorful and satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and a meaty texture to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to brown the beef perfectly without sticking and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch and classic Italian aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to a silky, rich Alfredo sauce that clings to every noodle.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the sauce slightly, making it creamy but not too heavy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts that signature sharp, nutty flavor essential for Alfredo.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory sauce with hints of oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for layering balanced flavors throughout the dish.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The perfect pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce with its wide, flat shape.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all the creamy goodness we’ll be preparing in the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks, until every bit is beautifully browned. Browning is key because it brings out that deep, savory flavor that makes this dish truly special. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the browned beef. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step layers the sauce with wonderful base flavors that elevate the entire dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine everything evenly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes so the sauce thickens up nicely. This slow simmer helps create that luxurious creamy texture we all crave in Alfredo sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the sauce becomes perfectly smooth and creamy. The Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it that classic, tangy flavor that’s signature to Alfredo dishes.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, making sure every strand gets beautifully coated in that rich sauce. Mixing everything together here ensures the flavors marry perfectly and you end up with a harmonious, comforting dish.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley if using, to add a pop of color and a mild freshness. Serve immediately while it’s still warm, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Although optional, fresh parsley adds an inviting burst of green that brightens up the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for cheese lovers craving more gooey goodness.
Side Dishes
This hearty Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables, which balance out the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also fantastic for sopping up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate presentation by serving the Alfredo in individual pasta bowls garnished with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a drizzle of truffle oil for something extra special. If you want to impress guests, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer the Ground Beef Alfredo into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, but be aware that the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change after freezing, so stir well after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce gets too thick. Microwave reheating works too; stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming and prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, penne, linguine, or even shell pasta can work wonderfully depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce the richness. Just keep in mind the sauce will be less thick and creamy but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli can bring extra nutrition and texture to the dish without overpowering the creamy Alfredo sauce.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?
Make sure to simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir frequently and add cheese off the heat to keep the sauce smooth and velvety.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the sauce and brown beef in advance, then cook the pasta fresh before serving. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor for guests.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your rotation for its incredible ease and satisfying flavors. It’s creamy, hearty, and so comforting, making it a perfect meal any day of the week. Go ahead, try it out, and watch everyone ask for seconds—it’s truly that good!
Print
Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting Ground Beef Alfredo recipe made with tender fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, enhanced by savory browned ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This quick and easy skillet dish takes just 25 minutes to prepare and serves four, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine with the beef and aromatics. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the Alfredo sauce and ground beef mixture.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use more Parmesan cheese or substitute half of the milk with additional heavy cream.
- If you prefer, use half-and-half instead of milk and cream for a lighter sauce.
- You can add vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach when sautéing the onion and garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
- Ensure to drain the pasta well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
