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Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and savory ground beef for a quick and hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver classic Italian flavors with a satisfying protein boost and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your preferred shape)
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce (butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese blend)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce and beef mixture.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add minced garlic to the cleared space. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then mix it through the beef and onions for an aromatic blend.
  4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir gently and add grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the beef Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated, and the sauce clings beautifully to each strand or piece.
  6. Final Touches: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan grated from a block for best melting texture and authentic flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best to avoid mushiness.
  • Drain excess beef fat to prevent a greasy sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently without boiling to maintain smoothness and richness.
  • Season as you cook to balance flavors at every step.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ground Beef Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Family-Friendly, Comfort Food, One-Pot Pasta, Italian Dish