Description
A rich and creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta dish combining tender pasta, savory browned ground beef, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Pantry
- 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
Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or pasta of choice)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
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 the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 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 the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, and onion powder; simmer the mixture gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black 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 together until evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the cream and milk slightly or simmer a bit longer.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain its texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields better flavor and melts more smoothly than pre-grated.
- Optional add-ins include sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
