Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
As a mom of three boys, busy weeknights demand dinners that are hearty delicious and easy, and my Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is the perfect recipe! Tender pasta enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce with savory ground beef and a sprinkle of parmesan comes together in one pan.I It is one of our go-tos for school nights or game days. Bursting with garlicky, cheesy warmth, it is a family favorite!
Some of the best recipes are made with simple easy ingredients, and this is one of them. All you need is pasta, ground beef and a simple homemade alfredo sauce. It is the ultimate comfort food, it is filling, delicious and well worth the effort. So you can skip the jarred alfredo and enjoy the easy homemade version. This fast and easy family dinner will remind you of hamburger helper but with elevated flavor!
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Ingredients for This Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need make this easy dinner. Find the full detailed recipe and measurements in the printable recipe card below.
Pasta – You can use any shape of bite size pasta for this recipe. We like to use pasta shells or rotini because they hold the sauce and ground beef well. Another great small pasta option is penne or even elbow macaroni.
Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef so that there isn’t a lot of grease to drain off.
Onion– You can use your favorite kind of onion for this. I like to use a yellow or white onion. For a sweeter flavor you can use a vidalia onion.
Garlic Powder– In this recipe I like to use garlic powder and minced garlic. The garlic powder helps season the ground beef while the minced garlic seasons the sauce.
Butter – I like to use salted butter but for less salt you can use unsalted. You’ll be melting it so it does not need to be softened.
Heavy Cream – This makes the sauce nice and creamy. For a lower fat option you can use half and half or whole milk. Keep in mind they will make the sauce more liquid. You can use less or cook it until it thickens.
Minced Garlic – I like to use jarred minced garlic for a quick an easy option. You can also use fresh garlic cloves.
Salt & Pepper – Salt and black pepper are important for the flavor of both the ground beef and the Alfredo sauce. Don’t skip seasoning the meat while it browns for the best flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan is the best option for the alfredo sauce because it melts the best. You can use pre-shredded parmesan for a quicker option, it may not melt as well but it will still taste delicious.
Cream Cheese– Cream cheese makes the alfredo sauce super easy and rich . I like to use full fat for the best creamy texture.
Fresh Parsley– Fresh parsley adds just a little bit of fresh taste to this pasta.
Here’s How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water to al dente according to package directions. (Tip- For extra flavor you can cook the pasta in beef stock instead of water.)
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Drain the pasta and set aside.
Meanwhile, place ground beef, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring and crumbling while cooking. When the ground beef is about half way cooked add in the onion, continue cooking until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion is translucent.
Remove the beef and onions from the skillet to drain excess grease on a paper towel lined plate.
Add in the butter and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes or until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
Next, cube the cream cheese and add it to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cream cheese is melted.
Use a whisk to stir in the heavy cream, continue whisking over medium heat until everything is well mixed.
Add in the parmesan cheese about ½ a cup at a time stirring constantly until the cheese is melted completely and well incorporated.
Add the cooked ground beef and cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat.
Serve with additional shredded parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
FAQ, Tips & Variations for This Easy Recipe
Here are some tips for success, substitutions and variations to make this delicious recipe turn out perfect!
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef you can use another ground meat for this recipe. Ground turkey, ground chicken and italian sausage all go well with pasta and a delicious creamy sauce.
Add in veggies- Want to make this a complete meal? Add in your favorite veggies. We love it with steamed broccoli added. It is also tasty with peas and carrots or green beans.
Don’t overcook the pasta – You want to make sure to have al dente pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and be sure not to overcook it. This is allows it to absorb some of the sauce and not get too soft.
Make it a casserole– If you love a baked pasta you can easily convert this into a cheesy ground beef alfredo bake recipe. Make the recipe in an oven safe skillet, after you add the ground beef and pasta you can top it with additional parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Pop it in the oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese.
How to store and reheat this recipe- This can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. When you reheat you can add a splash of milk or cream so that it is nice and creamy. Stir and add a little more to reach your desired consistency.
Additional Seasoning – To add a little bit of heat to this pasta dish you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Another great option is a couple of teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
Easy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1- Lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Small Onion diced
- 8 oz Pasta
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Cup Butter
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- 1 ½ Cups Shredded Parmesan
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.8 oz Pasta
- Meanwhile, place ground beef, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large skillet and cook over medium/ high heat, stirring and crumbling while cooking. When the ground beef is about half way cooked add in the onion, continue cooking until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion is translucent.1- Lb Lean Ground Beef, 1 Small Onion, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, ½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Pepper
- Remove the beef and onions from the skillet to drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- Add in the butter and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes or until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.½ Cup Butter, 3 tsp Minced Garlic
- Next, cube the cream cheese and add it to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cream cheese is melted.2 Cups Heavy Cream
- Use a whisk to stir in the heavy cream, continue whisking over medium heat until everything is well mixed.8 oz Cream Cheese
- Add in the parmesan cheese about ½ a cup at a time stirring constantly until the cheese is melted completely and well incorporated.1 ½ Cups Shredded Parmesan
- Add the cooked ground beef and cooked noodles into the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve with additional shredded parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.Fresh Parsley
