Name: Ground Beef Alfredo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup mushrooms (sliced); ⅓ cup dry white wine; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian herb blend; 1 cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan; A handful of chopped fresh parsley; Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

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This Ground Beef Alfredo is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone around the dinner table.

For many, weeknights can be a whirlwind of tasks, but with this easy-to-make Alfredo Pasta Recipe, you can bring the comfort of creamy pasta right into your kitchen in no time. This version of Creamy Beef Pasta combines savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce that everyone will love.

If you’re craving something similar to what you might find in a fancy restaurant, but without the long wait, this recipe is the perfect solution. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a standout dish, and you might even have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry.

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GROUND BEEF ALFREDO

QUICK AND EASY: This Quick Pasta Dinner is a lifesaver when time is tight. With a simple ingredient list, it’s easy to throw together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy evenings.

FLAVORFUL AND HEARTY: The savory ground beef, mushrooms, and a touch of garlic bring layers of flavor, while the rich, creamy sauce takes everything up a notch. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet simple.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: The combination of creamy sauce and ground beef makes this a meal that both kids and adults will love. It’s guaranteed to become a favorite that everyone will request again and again.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Olive oil: A little olive oil to start off the cooking process. It helps sauté the veggies and adds a light, rich flavor.
Onion and garlic: These two ingredients form the base of the flavor in the sauce. A finely diced onion and sliced garlic will create a beautiful aroma as they cook.
Ground beef: Opt for an 80-85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and tenderness. Breaking it up while cooking ensures it browns evenly and doesn’t release too much grease.
Mushrooms: White button mushrooms work well here, but you can always switch to cremini or baby bella for a deeper, earthier flavor.
White wine (optional): A splash of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. You can also use more chicken stock if you prefer not to cook with wine.
Chicken stock: Low-sodium chicken stock is recommended so you can control the salt levels. It helps form the base of the creamy sauce and adds richness to the dish.
Italian seasoning mix: Using a pre-made seasoning blend is quick and convenient, but you can always add your own mix of dried oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary for a personalized touch.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and luxurious. It’s an essential ingredient for that signature Alfredo texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well and can have a different flavor.

HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF ALFREDO

COOK THE PASTA: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining.
SAUTÉ THE ONION AND GARLIC: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
BROWN THE GROUND BEEF: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through.
COOK THE MUSHROOMS: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they soften and release their moisture.
DEGLAZE WITH WINE: Pour in the dry white wine (if using), and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor to the sauce.
MAKE THE SAUCE: Stir in the chicken stock and Italian seasoning, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
ADD THE CREAM: Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
TOSS WITH PASTA: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
FINISH WITH CHEESE: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Sprinkle in most of the parsley, reserving some for garnish.
SERVE: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Beef Pasta!

HELPFUL TIPS

Simmer, don’t boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from curdling. A rolling boil can break down the cream and ruin the texture.
Pasta water is key: The reserved pasta water helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Perfect pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, while al dente pasta finishes cooking in the sauce, giving it the perfect texture.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

Change the protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or lentils for added texture.
Add veggies: Enhance the dish with some healthy vegetables, like spinach, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or season the ground beef with Cajun spices to give the dish an extra kick.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH GROUND BEEF ALFREDO

Garlic bread: No pasta dinner is complete without a side of garlic bread! The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Green salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the richness of the Creamy Beef Pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Pair this dish with roasted veggies like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a healthy and flavorful side.

LEFTOVERS AND STORAGE

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
This Easy Ground Beef Recipe can be frozen too. For the best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately, so you can reheat them without overcooking the pasta.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I MAKE THIS GROUND BEEF ALFREDO WITHOUT MUSHROOMS?

Yes, you can! If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, simply leave them out or swap them with another veggie like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. The dish will still be rich and flavorful without them.

WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF PASTA TO USE?

Fettuccine works wonderfully with the creamy sauce, but you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well for the best experience.

CAN I FREEZE THIS DISH FOR LATER?

Yes, but for better texture, freeze the sauce and pasta separately. When reheating, warm the sauce gently and cook fresh pasta if possible, or reheat the pasta with a splash of cream to refresh it.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE SPICIER?

To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use a spiced ground meat like Italian sausage or chorizo. You can also mix in a dash of cayenne pepper while browning the beef.