Name: Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is easy, Ground Beef Alfredo is about to become your new weeknight hero. Creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce wraps perfectly cooked pasta and hearty ground beef in a luxurious embrace, all with just a handful of kitchen staples. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something you’d get from your favorite Italian-American bistro—rich, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, Ground Beef Alfredo deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.

Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few humble pantry staples can make Ground Beef Alfredo such a feast! Every ingredient brings something special, from silky texture to bold, familiar flavor, so don’t skip a thing.

Ground beef: The star protein; it adds hearty, rich flavor and a satisfying bite to every forkful.
Fettuccine or pasta of choice: Fettuccine holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but any sturdy pasta shape will work in a pinch.
Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and infuses the dish with subtle fruity notes.
Garlic (minced): A classic aromatic that punches up the flavor—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter: Adds creamy silkiness and rounds out the savory flavors.
Heavy cream: Essential for giving the Alfredo sauce its rich, velvety magic—don’t substitute if you want that iconic texture.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Salty, nutty, and vital for thickening and flavoring the sauce. Freshly grated is best!
Salt: Brings out all the best flavors in every component without overwhelming the dish.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to balance the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: Lends a fragrant, herby complexity that pairs so well with beef and cheese.
Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Fresh parsley gives the perfect pop of color and a whisper of brightness.

How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil, and cook your fettuccine (or preferred pasta) just until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—this little trick will help you reach Alfredo perfection.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the ground beef, breaking it up as it sizzles away. Cook until the meat is deliciously browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, drain it off so your sauce won’t be greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Sprinkle the minced garlic over your browned beef and cook for about a minute, just until you can smell that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. Stir in the butter until it’s totally melted and coats the beef beautifully.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let it come to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—then slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Whisk everything together so the sauce thickens and turns silky, clinging to the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet with that luscious sauce and beef. Toss it all together so every strand gets a glossy coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the Ground Beef Alfredo with plenty of fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green looks gorgeous and makes each bite feel bright and fresh.

How to Serve Ground Beef Alfredo

Garnishes

A generous shower of chopped parsley is a must—it cuts through the richness and makes your plate look restaurant-level. For a little extra flair, add freshly cracked black pepper or an extra dusting of Parmesan on top right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully filling all on its own, but a simple side salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette is a classic pairing that keeps the meal light and balanced. Buttery garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress things up for a special occasion, try twirling the pasta into little nests for individual portions. Serve your Ground Beef Alfredo in wide, shallow bowls with parsley artfully scattered and a wedge of lemon on the side for a little zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Ground Beef Alfredo cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce does thicken as it chills, but a quick reheat brings back its creamy magic.

Freezing

For longer storage, spoon the cooled Alfredo into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—this helps prevent grainy sauce.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the silky texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through, so nothing gets overcooked.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat in Ground Beef Alfredo?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic and hearty, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well if you prefer. Just keep an eye on seasoning and don’t overcook leaner meats.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives a richer taste, but in a pinch, pre-shredded will do. Watch out for added anti-caking agents—they can make the sauce a bit grainy, so always add cheese slowly and whisk well.

What if my Alfredo sauce gets too thick?

This happens sometimes, especially after sitting for a few minutes. Just stir in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or even a splash of milk until you’ve reached the perfect, creamy consistency.

Can I add veggies to my Ground Beef Alfredo?

You sure can! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even peas are delicious ways to boost flavor and nutrition. Stir them in along with the beef or just before combining with the pasta.

Is Ground Beef Alfredo suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Just portion into individual containers and store in the fridge. For best taste and texture, reheat with a bit of extra milk or cream, as the sauce thickens when chilled.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving creamy comfort food without a lot of fuss, Ground Beef Alfredo should be at the top of your must-try list. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate—easy enough for a Monday night, but special enough for company too. Give it a go and watch everyone at your table light up with every delicious bite!

Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 17 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 Ground Beef Alfredo for a satisfying and flavorful meal. This classic pasta dish combines tender ground beef with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, creating a hearty and comforting dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

1 pound ground beef
12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, saving some pasta water.
Cook the ground beef: Brown the beef in a skillet with olive oil.
Make the sauce: Add garlic, butter, cream, Parmesan, and seasonings to the skillet.
Combine and serve: Toss the pasta with the sauce and beef, adding pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley.