Creamy, savory ground beef alfredo combines the richness of homemade alfredo sauce with the hearty flavor of seasoned beef, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. This dish is comforting, easy to make, and packed with bold flavors that the whole family will love.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and simple this recipe is without sacrificing flavor. The creamy alfredo sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the seasoned ground beef adds a satisfying, meaty texture. It’s a great alternative to traditional chicken alfredo and is made with ingredients I usually have on hand. Plus, it’s a complete meal that doesn’t require any complicated steps or extra sides—just a bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz fettuccine pasta
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat from the skillet, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the beef and alfredo sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Kick: I add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
Cheesy Upgrade: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan makes the sauce extra rich.
Mushroom Twist: Sautéed mushrooms add depth to the dish.
Low-Carb Version: I swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Protein Swap: Instead of beef, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. The microwave works too—just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. I don’t recommend freezing, as the dairy-based sauce can separate when thawed.
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FAQs
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker sauce, I let it simmer longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese. A teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water can also help.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! I sometimes use penne, linguine, or even rotini for a fun twist. Any pasta that holds sauce well works great.
What kind of beef should I use?
I prefer lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to avoid too much grease. If using fattier beef, I make sure to drain the excess fat.
Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! If I’m short on time, I swap the homemade sauce for a good-quality jarred alfredo and adjust the seasoning as needed.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
I keep the heat low when adding the dairy and stir constantly. Overheating can cause the cream to break, making the sauce grainy.
Conclusion
Ground beef alfredo is a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The creamy alfredo sauce combined with seasoned beef and tender pasta creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether I’m looking for a quick dinner fix or a cozy meal to share, this recipe always hits the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Ground Beef Alfredo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, savory Ground Beef Alfredo is a comforting pasta dish that combines rich homemade Alfredo sauce with hearty, seasoned beef. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with bold flavors, making it a satisfying and delicious meal the whole family will love.
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 fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make the Sauce – Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning – Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta – Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
For extra cheesiness, mix in mozzarella with Parmesan.
For a low-carb version, swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
For a protein swap, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 580 kcal
