Name: Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

There’s something about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that makes any meal feel extra special. This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of seasoned ground beef, velvety Alfredo sauce, and tender pasta creates a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even a casual gathering.

I love how quickly this recipe comes together with simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to satisfy a hungry family or just craving something indulgent, this dish delivers. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily customize it with different proteins, veggies, or spices to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Minimal ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in your pantry and fridge.
Rich and creamy: The Alfredo sauce coats every bite in luxurious, cheesy goodness.
Family-friendly: Both kids and adults will love the comforting flavors.
Customizable: Swap out the beef, add veggies, or spice it up to make it your own.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

When making Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta, I recommend using short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. These types of pasta have ridges or curves that help hold onto the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. If you prefer, you can also use fettuccine or linguine for a more traditional Alfredo experience, but keep in mind that the sauce clings better to shorter pasta varieties.

If you want a healthier twist, whole wheat pasta or chickpea-based pasta can add extra fiber and protein while still pairing beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some easy substitutions you can make:

Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian option, mushrooms or lentils can add a hearty texture.
Dairy-Free Alfredo: Use coconut cream or cashew-based Alfredo sauce instead of traditional dairy. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the cheese!
Pasta Options: Gluten-free pasta works just as well, so feel free to use your favorite brand.
Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is the classic choice, adding a mix of mozzarella or cheddar can make the sauce even more indulgent.
Extra Veggies: Spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes can add color, nutrients, and extra flavor.

These swaps make it easy to adapt the dish to different dietary needs or personal preferences.

Ingredients for This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Rotini): These pasta shapes hold onto the Alfredo sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and creamy.
Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory depth to the dish. You can use lean ground beef or swap it for another protein.
Butter: Adds richness to the Alfredo sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, making it smooth, thick, and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan works best.
Chicken or Beef Broth: Adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce and helps loosen it to the perfect consistency.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to bring extra flavor to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a little heat, this is a great way to add some spice.
Parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance out the richness.

With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with comforting goodness.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat and gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it. Taste and adjust with more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the Alfredo sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. Optionally, top with extra Parmesan cheese for more richness.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

This dish comes together in about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:

Pasta: 8-10 minutes (depending on the type of pasta)
Ground beef: 5-7 minutes to brown fully
Alfredo sauce: 5-6 minutes to thicken and combine with cheese
Final combination: 2-3 minutes to meld flavors

Since everything cooks relatively quickly, it’s best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Save some pasta water: Adding a little reserved pasta water can help adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Cook the garlic just right: Sauté garlic for only 30 seconds to prevent burning, which can turn it bitter.
Simmer, don’t boil: When making Alfredo sauce, keep the heat on low to medium to avoid separating the cream.
Season in layers: Add salt, pepper, and seasonings throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
Let it rest for a minute: Allowing the pasta to sit for a minute after mixing lets the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta better.

Following these simple tips will ensure a rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced Alfredo pasta every time.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-packaged Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Always use freshly grated cheese.
Overcooking the pasta: If the pasta is too soft, it will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce. Cook it just until al dente.
Cooking on high heat: Alfredo sauce needs gentle heat to avoid curdling or separating. Keep the heat at medium or lower when adding the cream and cheese.
Not draining the ground beef properly: If there’s too much grease, the sauce can become overly oily. Drain the excess fat after cooking the beef.
Skipping the pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and improves its consistency. Don’t forget to reserve a little before draining!
Adding cheese too quickly: Parmesan should be added slowly while stirring to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
Not tasting and adjusting seasoning: Alfredo sauce is rich, but it still needs the right balance of salt, pepper, and seasonings to bring out its best flavor.

What to Serve With Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with lighter or contrasting sides can balance out the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of Alfredo sauce.

2. Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a bit of crunch and freshness to the meal.

4. Steamed Green Beans

A healthy, crisp side that adds a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

5. Grilled Chicken or Shrimp

If you want extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp makes a great addition.

6. Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

7. Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

A bright, tangy bruschetta can balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce with its acidity.

8. Lemon Wedges

A squeeze of fresh lemon over the pasta can enhance the flavors and add a subtle brightness.

These sides help round out the meal and create a well-balanced, satisfying dinner.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta stores well! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing (Not Recommended): Because Alfredo sauce is cream-based, it can separate when frozen and reheated, making the texture grainy. If you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month and stir in fresh cream when reheating.

How to Reheat

Stovetop (Best Method): Add the pasta to a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream. Stir until heated through and creamy.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a little milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm.

Avoid high heat when reheating, as it can cause the sauce to break.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~95mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g

These values can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. You can adjust the recipe to be lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or opting for leaner protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and ground beef ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat everything in a skillet with fresh cream to bring the sauce back to life.

2. How can I make the Alfredo sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, add more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce.

3. What’s the best pasta shape for Alfredo?

Penne, rigatoni, and rotini are great because they hold onto the sauce well. If you prefer traditional Alfredo, fettuccine is a classic choice.

4. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality jar of Alfredo sauce can work. Just warm it up and mix it with the cooked beef and pasta.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add it slowly over low heat while stirring continuously. Avoid overheating, as this can cause separation.

6. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions that enhance the flavor and texture.

7. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can use whole wheat or chickpea pasta, lean ground turkey, and light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

8. What herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme can add a pop of freshness to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is the perfect comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with family and friends so they can enjoy it too!