Name: Ground Beef Alfredo: A Creamy and Hearty Comfort Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred type); 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Alfredo is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with a luscious Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together quickly with minimal ingredients. The combination of tender pasta, hearty beef, and a velvety sauce makes it a go-to comfort meal. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized with different seasonings, vegetables, or cheeses to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your preferred type)
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Milk
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Parsley (for garnish)

Directions

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.
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set the cooked beef aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to combine.
Incorporate the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick if desired.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Then, add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
Final Touches
Allow the pasta to simmer for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness.
Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Freezing: While Alfredo sauce doesn’t always freeze well due to separation, you can freeze the ground beef separately and prepare fresh sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works well if you’re short on time. Simply heat it in the skillet and mix it with the cooked beef and pasta.

What type of pasta is best for Ground Beef Alfredo?

Fettuccine is a classic choice, but penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well.

How do I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the pasta and sauce separately and combine them when reheating to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free Alfredo sauce.

How can I thicken my Alfredo sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, add more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer longer to reduce.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Alfredo?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent pairings.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta or a pasta alternative like zucchini noodles.

How can I add more flavor?

Add minced onions, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while cooking.

Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?

This can happen if the cheese is added too quickly or at too high a temperature. Lower the heat and whisk continuously to ensure smooth melting.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together the heartiness of seasoned beef with the indulgence of Alfredo sauce. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is easy to customize and full of flavor. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade pasta dish that everyone will love!

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