Best Homemade Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy pasta nights just got a delicious upgrade with this ground beef alfredo that promises pure comfort.

Rich, velvety sauce mingles perfectly with hearty ground beef in a classic Italian-inspired dish.

Every forkful delivers a burst of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and silky alfredo sauce creates an irresistible meal.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this simple yet elegant recipe.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

Prepare to indulge in a meal that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Alfredo

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques, this ground beef Alfredo requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Packed with protein from ground beef and creamy richness from Parmesan and heavy cream, this dish delivers a filling and indulgent meal that'll keep everyone satisfied.
• Versatile recipe allows simple modifications like adding vegetables, switching meat types, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this meal ideal for weeknight dinners, allowing quick preparation without sacrificing flavor or quality.

What’s in Ground Beef Alfredo

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this creamy pasta dish.
• Pasta Shells: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the rich Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, smooth texture of the Alfredo sauce.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a deep, velvety sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty finish that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Garlic Puree, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: These ingredients work together to build a complex and well-rounded flavor profile for the sauce.

Cooking Steps for Creamy Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta shells in a large pot of boiling water until al dente.

Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment later.

Set pasta aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a spatula.

Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

Ensure complete cooking for food safety.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Butter
• Garlic puree

Stir until butter melts completely and garlic becomes fragrant.

This combination creates a rich, aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Stir ingredients together and bring to a gentle boil.

Allow sauce to simmer for 4 minutes, stirring frequently to develop depth of flavor and slightly thicken consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet, gently stirring to coat each shell with the luxurious cream sauce.

Ensure every pasta piece is thoroughly covered.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Remove skillet from heat.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted, creating a silky smooth sauce.

If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving bowls.

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy dish.

Smart Tips for Ground Beef Alfredo

• Save a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency, creating a perfectly creamy Alfredo without drying out the dish.
• Break ground beef into small, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent large clumps in the final dish.
• Use fresh garlic puree instead of minced garlic for a more intense, smooth flavor that blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy, ensuring a silky, smooth sauce texture.
• Reduce heat to medium-low when combining pasta and sauce to prevent separation and maintain a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Reheating and Saving Alfredo Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Pour pasta into a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently and continuously until heated through, preventing sticking and maintaining the pasta's original consistency.

Perfect Pairings for Beef Alfredo

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta, adding freshness and acidity that brightens the entire meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce, providing a crunchy texture contrast and enhancing the garlic notes already in the dish.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side, which adds nutritional balance and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.

Alternate Styles for Ground Beef Alfredo

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, creating a lighter dish that's keto-friendly and packed with vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce without traditional dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less thick and rich. For a lighter version, use half milk and half cream.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Ground Beef Alfredo can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when seasoning or include a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also top with hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper when serving for an extra kick.

Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this ground beef alfredo, where creamy pasta intertwines with savory meat. Pasta lovers will discover a simple yet luxurious dish that delivers rich flavors and hearty satisfaction in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) small pasta shells
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) heavy cream
• 2/3 cup (75 g) shredded parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons garlic puree

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta shells by boiling in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Brown thoroughly for 5-6 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
3. After beef is completely cooked, introduce butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir until butter melts and garlic becomes aromatic, releasing its rich flavor profile.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, combining with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 4 minutes, stirring consistently to develop sauce consistency.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate cooked pasta shells, thoroughly coating each piece with the creamy sauce. Ensure even distribution of ingredients.
6. Remove skillet from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce reaches a smooth, silky texture. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
7. Plate the pasta, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and creamy.

Notes

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency and enhance the creamy texture of the Alfredo.
• Break ground beef into small, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent clumping.
• Adjust garlic puree amount based on personal preference, or use fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor profile.
• Simmer cream gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg