There’s something magical about a bowl of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta: it’s comfort food reimagined with rich, savory flavors and an irresistible velvet sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. This dish is my go-to for both hectic weeknights and those cozy evenings when I want to treat myself (and my family) to something special. With flavorful ground beef, a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, and pasta that soaks up every bit of goodness, it’s no wonder this pasta recipe vanishes fast every time I serve it. I promise you’ll turn to Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta whenever you want an easy, crowd-pleasing meal with restaurant-worthy flavor at home.

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a dish that truly wows. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from creating the foundation of the sauce to giving pops of flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape for maximum sauce-hugging power—both work beautifully to soak up that creamy Alfredo goodness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A quick sizzle in this heart-healthy oil is the perfect start for browning your ground beef.
1 pound ground beef: Juicy, flavor-packed beef forms the hearty backbone of this dish; opt for 80–85% lean for a richer sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses every bite with subtle heat and classic Italian aroma.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken your sauce and create that dreamy, silky texture you crave.
2 cups heavy cream: The essential building block for Alfredo sauce, heavy cream delivers that decadent, creamy richness.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and savory, Parmesan brings the unmistakable Alfredo flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs gives the dish that beloved, classic Italian flavor profile.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little pepper sharpens and balances the creaminess with a mild kick.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to highlight all the delicious elements and balance the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat that makes the sauce pop; go easy or leave it out if serving kids.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh finish that adds brightness and a lovely color contrast to your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine or penne and cook following the package directions until your pasta is perfectly al dente. Remember, you want the noodles tender but still with the tiniest bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set aside, lightly tossing them with a touch of olive oil if you’re worried about sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is well browned, no longer pink, and smells absolutely irresistible. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it off—this ensures your sauce stays velvety, not greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once your beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. This step makes your whole kitchen smell heavenly and infuses the beef with garlicky depth.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the Flour

Evenly sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly until every little bit of meat is coated and you can’t see any white flour left. This creates the roux base that will thicken our Alfredo sauce and give it that classic creamy texture.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Lower the heat and let everything simmer for three to four minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken and become rich, coating the beef in delicious, cheesy silkiness.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is generously coated with that luscious Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta sauce. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s all mingling together for maximum flavor!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling the chopped parsley over the top. This bright garnish not only adds a pop of color, but also a touch of fresh flavor. Serve your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta piping hot and listen for the immediate chorus of “Mmm!” at the table.

How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Presentation matters, and the finishing touches for Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta are simple but impactful. Besides fresh parsley, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan, a quick twist of black pepper, or even ribbons of basil. If you want to bring the restaurant vibes home, add thinly shaved Parmesan curls for elegance and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this rich pasta with simple side salads dressed in lemony vinaigrette or a bowl of seasonal roasted vegetables. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve warm garlic bread or buttery breadsticks by the side to soak up any leftover sauce. Crisp steamed green beans or asparagus are also lovely additions, balancing out that creamy richness with a hint of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual nights, pile Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta into big serving bowls and let everyone dig in family-style—the more, the merrier! For date nights or dinner parties, swirl pasta into elegant nests and sprinkle with microgreens or edible flowers. You can even ladle individual servings into small casserole dishes, top with extra Parmesan, and broil them for a golden, bubbly crust. The options are as delightful as each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta stores beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. The flavors meld overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying the next day. Just remember to store the pasta and sauce together so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

If you have more than you can eat, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion into individual freezer-safe containers for quick, homemade meals later. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but a little gentle stirring when reheating brings everything back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. If using the microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each so it stays creamy and doesn’t overcook. Either way, you’ll have Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta tasting nearly as good as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are my top picks for Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti will work. Just adjust cooking times according to the package and enjoy a little twist on the classic.

Can I make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta lighter?

To lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You might also try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef, as suggested in the notes. It’s still deliciously creamy but a bit gentler on the waistline.

What vegetables can I add?

There are lots of veggie options! Stir in fresh baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, green peas, or chopped bell peppers right before simmering the sauce. They’ll add color, flavor, and extra nutrition without taking away from the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta experience.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately a few hours ahead. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, toss with fresh-cooked or reheated pasta, and finish with parsley and Parmesan. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Is Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta gluten free?

As written, the recipe includes both wheat pasta and all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten free. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce. You’ll still end up with that marvelous creamy, beefy flavor everyone loves!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers big flavor, ultimate comfort, and happy smiles around your table, Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is the recipe for you. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—let it surprise you with just how delicious and satisfying a few humble ingredients can be when tossed together with a little love. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, beefy bite!

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta 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 comforting and satisfying dinner with this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta recipe. Tender pasta coated in a rich and creamy sauce with savory ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and flour.
Make the Sauce: Stir in cream, Parmesan, seasonings, and simmer until thickened.
Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, and garnish with parsley.