This Ground Beef Alfredo is an easy, creamy pasta dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. It's comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
With its creamy Parmesan sauce and flavorful ground beef, this simple pasta recipe is a family favorite that's sure to have everyone coming back for seconds!
Fettuccine alfredo with ground beef, are you drooling yet? 🤤
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Alfredo
Easy Weeknight Dinner – This creamy Ground Beef Alfredo is simple to prepare and perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying family meal.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Made with ground beef, pasta, cream, and everyday pantry staples, this recipe is an affordable alternative to eating out.
Rich and Creamy – Tender pasta is coated in a delicious Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and perfectly seasoned ground beef.
Family-Friendly – A comforting pasta dinner that's filling, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Easy to Customize – Add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to make this creamy pasta your own.
Looking for cheap and delicious meal ideas? Take a look at my 7 cheap family meals (under $10!)
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Fettuccine (16 oz / 450 g) – The classic choice for Alfredo, but you can swap it with spaghetti, penne, or even low-carb zucchini noodles.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Used to sauté the garlic and beef, adding richness. Butter or any neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil can work as substitutes.
Garlic (1 teaspoon, minced) – Specify fresh minced garlic for the best flavour. If fresh garlic isn’t available, ½ - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used instead.
Ground Beef (1 pound) – 85–90% lean beef. Or swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian touch. Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have pre-made seasoning.
Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter or Parmesan.
Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon) – Adds mild heat and depth. You can substitute with white pepper for a milder taste.
Butter (½ a stick / ¼ cup) – Creates a rich and creamy sauce. Unsalted butter is best, but you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt accordingly.
Heavy Cream (2 cups / 480 ml) – The key to a luscious Alfredo sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup / approximately 100 g) – Adds a salty, nutty richness. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be used as alternatives.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) – A subtle, warming spice that enhances the Alfredo sauce’s depth. It can be omitted, but just a pinch elevates the flavor beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of freshness and color. Swap with basil or chives for a different twist.
👩🏼🍳 How to make ground beef Alfredo
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3 . Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Using a spatula, push the meat like you are making a big hamburger patty. Don't break the meat up at first. Let it cook for about 4 minutes until it is brown and has formed a crust.
4. Then break the beef apart with a spatula, flipping it occasionally until the meat is browned and cooked through. About 4-5 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Make the Alfredo sauce – In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic. Don't burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-4 minutes. You will know when it is ready because it will stick to the back of the spoon.
6. Remove from the heat- then add the grated Parmesan, nutmeg salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
7. Combine – Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce.
8. Assemble – Top the pasta and sauce with the browned ground beef. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
💡 Tips & Tricks for the Best Ground Beef Alfredo
Use Lean Ground Beef – I recommend 85–90% lean ground beef. It adds plenty of flavour without making your creamy Alfredo sauce too greasy. Drain any excess fat after browning.
Freshly Grate Your Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese, giving you a creamy finish without a grainy texture.
Keep the Heat Low – Once you add the heavy cream and Parmesan, keep the sauce over low heat. Avoid boiling, as high temperatures can cause the sauce to separate.
Save Some Pasta Water – Before draining your fettuccine, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Add a splash at a time if your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick.
Cook Your Pasta Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta holds its texture better when tossed with the creamy sauce.
Serve Immediately – Ground Beef Alfredo tastes best freshly made. The sauce naturally thickens as it cools, so serve it while it's warm and creamy.
❓FAQS
Absolutely! Ground beef is a delicious alternative to chicken in Alfredo pasta. The seasoned beef pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly family dinner.
Fettuccine is my favourite because the wide noodles hold the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully. However, penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, or linguine also work well. Use whichever pasta you have available.
What can I add to Ground Beef Alfredo?
Mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, and peas are all delicious additions. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat or extra garlic for a stronger flavour.
🥡 Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead – You can cook and season the ground beef up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then prepare the pasta and Alfredo sauce fresh when you're ready to serve. This makes dinner even quicker on busy weeknights!
Refrigerator – Store leftover Ground Beef Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Freezer – You can freeze Ground Beef Alfredo for up to 2 months, although cream-based sauces may separate or become grainy when thawed. For the best results, freeze the cooked ground beef separately and prepare the Alfredo sauce and pasta fresh.
Reheating – Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or heavy cream. Stir frequently until the pasta is creamy and heated all the way through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Best Served Fresh – Alfredo sauce naturally thickens as it cools, so this dish is at its creamiest when served immediately after cooking.
Pasta recipes to try next time
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Ground Beef Alfredo (Easy Creamy Pasta Recipe)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Alfredo is an easy, creamy pasta dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. It's comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Fettucine (450 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ stick of butter (¼ cup or 58 g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, freshly crushed or dried garlic powder
- 2 cups heavy cream (approximately 475 ml)
- 1 cup / 100 g grated Parmesan
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Using a spatula, push the meat down ike you are making a big hamburger patty.
- Don't break the meat up at first. Let it cook for about 4 minutes until it is brown and has formed a crust.
- Then break the beef apart with a spatula, flipping it occasionally until the meat is browned and cooked through. About 4-5 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce – In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- You will know when it is ready because it will stick to the back of the spoon.
- Then add the grated Parmesan and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine – Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce.
- Assemble – Top the pasta and sauce with the browned ground beef. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Olive Oil is Optional: If you're working with fatty meat, there's no need for olive oil. However, if you're using leaner cuts, a bit of olive oil can enhance the flavor and prevent sticking.
Brown the Mince Properly: Ensure that any liquid from the mince has fully evaporated before proceeding. The mince should be dry and crumble easily for the best texture.
Shredding your own Parmesan cheese is much better for a smoother, creamier Alfredo sauce! Pre-shredded cheese can be grainy due to added anti-caking agents but if pre-shredded is a cheaper option then go for it.
If the Alfredo sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a little while longer to thicken.
Store cooked ground beef and Alfredo sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat Alfredo ground beef gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to prevent thickening.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Family Meals, Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 950 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fat: 64 g
- Saturated Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
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