This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef with a creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With its blend of Italian seasoning and creamy texture, this pasta will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz fettuccine pasta
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pot, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the beef Alfredo sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick in the Alfredo sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a unique twist on the classic Alfredo sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, place the pasta and sauce in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine them just before serving to keep the pasta fresh.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Omit the ground beef and use mushrooms or a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu in place of the meat.
- Can I make the sauce thicker? To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help it set.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Can I add other spices to this dish? Absolutely! You can try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh basil to enhance the flavor.
- How do I know when the beef is cooked through? The ground beef should be browned and no longer pink when fully cooked. Ensure it’s broken up into small pieces while cooking.
- Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce and just add the ground beef and seasonings to make it your own.
- How do I make the sauce richer? To make the sauce richer, you can add more Parmesan cheese or a tablespoon of butter to give the sauce a silky finish.
- What side dishes go well with this pasta? This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, savory beef, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to make, and the possibilities for customization are endless, making it a versatile addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
PrintCreamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and indulgent Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner! Ground beef, garlic, and onions are simmered in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Paired with fettuccine pasta, it’s a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pot, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the beef Alfredo sauce.
- Toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For added flavor, try adding a handful of spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture before adding the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes