If you’ve been on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy indulgence and savory heartiness, this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Imagine tender fettuccine drenched in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, generously studded with perfectly browned ground beef and just the right hints of garlic and Parmesan—this dish is pure comfort food magic that’s surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers layers of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe truly shine, you’ll want to gather a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component brings something special to the dish, from the richness of the heavy cream to the savory depth of the Parmesan cheese and the fresh brightness of parsley.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that adds hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and keep it juicy without sticking.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and builds a flavorful base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that signature creamy, velvety Alfredo sauce texture.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the sauce slightly, balancing richness and creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty bite that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The ideal noodle for soaking up the creamy sauce in every forkful.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness for the final touch.
How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside—you’ll want it ready to swoop into that creamy sauce soon.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This step creates that deep savory base flavor that’s crucial for the dish. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a lighter sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft—this builds a flavorful foundation and complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring everything together to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 5 to 7 minutes as it thickens to the perfect sauce consistency. This slow simmer melds the flavors and creates that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Seasoning
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is where the sauce truly comes alive.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Finally, add the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce skillet. Toss the noodles with the sauce and beef mixture, making sure every strand of pasta gets coated in that rich Alfredo goodness. This step is all about marrying the textures and flavors together perfectly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Ground Beef Alfredo hot from the pan, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you like for a splash of color and a slight herbal contrast. Each bite promises creamy, cheesy satisfaction with every forkful—truly a dish to savor and share.
How to Serve Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley on top not only brightens up the plate visually but also introduces a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce. You can also consider a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little gentle heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for contrast, or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also work beautifully to add texture and nutrients to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual small cast iron skillets or in hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation. You could even sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy fried onions on top for an added layer of crunch. The possibilities are endless when you want to impress your guests or make dinner feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals that heat up beautifully without losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. For the best texture, freeze without pasta and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating. Frozen Ground Beef Alfredo sauce will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir frequently to recreate that creamy texture and avoid scorching. Microwaving on medium power also works; just cover and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this Alfredo recipe. Just be mindful that it cooks quicker and can dry out, so keep an eye on it while browning and consider adding a bit more olive oil for moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The original recipe calls for traditional fettuccine, which contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing the creamy, hearty flavors.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce without heavy cream?
While heavy cream is key to that luxurious texture, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Just be aware the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich, so consider adding a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a little kick, try stirring in some red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning, or top your serving with chopped fresh chili or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess. Avoid high heat, which tends to dry out the sauce and toughen the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving rich, comforting flavors in a quick and easy package. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels so special and satisfying every time. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it soon—you might just find it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your recipe rotation!
Print
Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Alfredo is a creamy and delicious pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Combined with perfectly cooked fettuccine and seasoned with Italian herbs, this recipe is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family feast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to be combined later.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent, allowing the garlic to release its flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and beef mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid breaking the sauce.
