Description
This creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. It’s a satisfying, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne that hold the sauce well.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk.
- For extra flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or sautéed mushrooms.
- Drain any excess grease from the beef to keep the sauce creamy and not oily.
- Parmesan cheese is key for authentic Alfredo flavor; avoid pre-grated cheese if possible for better melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
