Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

When comfort food calls, this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta answers with rich flavor, hearty ingredients, and a velvety homemade sauce. It’s the ultimate one-skillet meal—savory, creamy, and loaded with seasoned ground beef tossed with pasta and smothered in a garlic-Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or sharing with the whole family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Creamy – A smooth Alfredo sauce clings to every bite of pasta.
Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or steps, ready in 30 minutes.
Family Favorite – Even picky eaters love this comforting combo.
Customizable – Use your favorite pasta shape or toss in veggies.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes just as good (or better) the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:
12 oz penne, rigatoni, or pasta of choice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:
1 cup baby spinach
½ cup steamed broccoli
½ cup mushrooms, sautéed
Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 5–6 minutes until browned.
3. Stir in diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until onions are soft. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
4. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Cook until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until everything is coated.
3. If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Add baby spinach or any optional veggies and cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple salad on the side.

Tips for the Best Alfredo Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Stir Continuously – While making the roux and sauce, constant whisking prevents lumps.
Add Pasta Water Gradually – Just enough to get your preferred sauce consistency.
Make It Your Own – Stir in spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions
On the Side:
Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
Caesar salad or spring mix salad
Roasted asparagus or green beans

Beverage Ideas:
Sparkling water with lemon
Iced herbal tea
Chilled grape juice spritzer

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well.
2. Is this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
   Yes, in a pinch—but homemade has much better flavor and freshness.
4. Can I make it lighter?
   Use 2% milk instead of whole milk and skip the heavy cream or substitute with more milk.
5. Does it reheat well?
   Absolutely. Just reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is your new weeknight winner—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for two with plenty of leftovers, it’s a guaranteed hit that tastes like comfort in a bowl. Try it once and you’ll be hooked on this creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Alfredo pasta turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 490 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 480mg

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