If you’re craving a dish that’s ultra-comforting, rich, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, you’re about to fall in love with Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. This recipe brings together the heartiness of perfectly seasoned ground beef, silky smooth Alfredo sauce, and tender noodles all in one irresistible skillet. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to a wow-worthy meal with very little fuss.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about a simple set of ingredients coming together to create pure comfort. Each component in this recipe plays an important role, so don’t be surprised when the flavor explodes with each bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Pasta (12 ounces penne or fettuccine): The perfect base for soaking up all that luscious Alfredo sauce; choose one with ample surface area for maximum creaminess.
Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture to every forkful.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the beef and garlic, building a delicious foundation for the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds irresistible aroma and depth that makes Alfredo really sing.
Heavy cream (2 cups): The key to that rich, velvety sauce; don’t skimp—this is what makes it shine.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): It melts into the sauce, giving it body and that signature nutty, umami punch.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, making each ingredient truly pop.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and complexity to the finished dish.
Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): For an herby backbone that complements both the beef and creamy sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): If you like a subtle kick, this is your moment!
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle of vibrant freshness and color on top.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta—penne or fettuccine works beautifully—and cook until it’s al dente, following your package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside, but don’t rinse them; you want that little bit of starch to help the sauce cling.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown until the meat loses that pink color and starts to develop delicious, caramelized edges. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta from getting greasy.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Sprinkle the minced garlic into the pan with the cooked beef. Sauté for just about a minute—enough to become fragrant and golden but not burned. You’ll immediately notice how the garlic infuses the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, setting the stage for a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir well to combine everything. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring often so nothing sticks or scorches, for about three to five minutes until the sauce thickens up just a touch.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Now comes the magic! Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing it well so every piece gets coated in that creamy, savory sauce. Give the whole ensemble a couple of minutes to heat through together, which really lets the noodles soak up all the incredible flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and scatter chopped fresh parsley across the top for a pop of green and a zesty finish. This is the last flourish before you bring your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to the table—get ready for lots of excited faces!

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders—not just for the look, but for a tiny burst of herbal freshness. Shaved Parmesan or a couple of cracks of black pepper right before serving also highlight the creamy, cheesy notes. If you want to really impress, try a dash of lemon zest for subtle brightness.

Side Dishes

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is seriously hearty on its own, but it plays nicely with crisp-tender garlic bread, a bright Caesar or green salad, or simple steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Each side adds great contrast and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate this dish family-style in a big, beautiful bowl or serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls. For a fun twist, serve the pasta in Parmesan “bowls” or with a swirl of extra Alfredo sauce on top. Don’t be afraid to get playful—this dish loves a bit of drama.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors might even deepen overnight.

Freezing

While Alfredo sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions of this dish for up to one month. Be sure to let the pasta and sauce cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe, tightly sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the original silkiness of the sauce. Stir well as it heats through, and finish with a little extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper for freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are classic choices for holding that creamy sauce, you can substitute any pasta shape you love. Short shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or shells will trap the sauce in fun ways, while spaghetti is always a crowd-pleaser.

Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

Yes! For a lighter Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, simply swap half the heavy cream for milk or light cream, or add extra veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to make it even more colorful and nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

If ground beef isn’t your favorite or you’d like to experiment, try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly spin. Each will bring its own unique twist to the creamy Alfredo experience.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding the cream and cheese. Avoid boiling, which can cause the sauce to separate. Adding the Parmesan gradually and stirring well helps it melt smoothly without clumping.

Can I make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta ahead of time for a party?

You can! Cook and assemble the dish a few hours in advance, then gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk until hot. Waiting to add the fresh parsley garnish until right before serving keeps it bright and appealing.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and downright soul-satisfying, you’ll want to add Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to your weekly rotation. Give it a try and see why it’s quickly become a personal favorite—you just might find yourself coming back to this one-pot wonder again and again!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and creamy delight with this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta recipe. Perfectly seasoned ground beef combined with a luscious Alfredo sauce over al dente pasta makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef

Other:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
Make the Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce. Simmer briefly to heat through.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or light cream.
Enhance with spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American