Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a hearty, comforting meal that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the savory goodness of ground beef. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is easy to make and deliciously satisfying!
Ingredients:
- For the pasta and sauce:
- 1 lb (16 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or use more heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Cook the ground beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- If you’re using onion, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the heavy cream and milk. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once it starts to simmer, add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Once the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the ground beef and onions.
- Make it spicy: Add a little more red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
This creamy, rich, and savory Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is sure to become a family favorite! It’s a satisfying dish that brings the best of both worlds — comfort food and delicious, creamy sauce.