Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the richness of Alfredo sauce with the savory goodness of ground beef. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a satisfying meal. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese, coats the pasta perfectly, while the ground beef adds a flavorful, meaty texture. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet comforting. With a few basic ingredients and a simple step-by-step process, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
   In the same skillet with the cooked ground beef, lower the heat and add the heavy cream and milk. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting it thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary with more salt or pepper.
5. Serve:
   Serve the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for most pasta). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need it later for adjusting the sauce.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally, ensuring the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • Once the beef is cooked, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   • Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the cheese to melt completely. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up to your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
   • Once the Alfredo sauce is ready and the consistency is to your liking, add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. If needed, season with additional salt or pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
   • Once the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Choosing the Right Pasta:
   • While fettuccine is the classic pasta used for Alfredo dishes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Choose whichever pasta shape you prefer, keeping in mind that smaller pasta shapes like penne will hold the sauce well.
2. How to Make a Smooth Sauce:
   • To avoid clumps in your Alfredo sauce, add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly. The cheese should melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. If any clumps form, don’t panic! Simply whisk the sauce until smooth.
3. Thickening the Sauce:
   • If your sauce is too runny, allow it to simmer longer to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The pasta water contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce and keep it creamy.
4. Ground Beef Alternatives:
   • You can easily swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even beef sausage. These options will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.
5. Make-Ahead Tips:
   • This recipe is great for meal prep. If you want to make it ahead, cook the pasta and beef sauce separately. When ready to eat, reheat them together in a skillet and toss until well combined. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a little milk or pasta water.
6. Handling Leftovers:
   • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little bit of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

1. Pairing Side Dishes:
   • This creamy pasta is rich and filling, so consider pairing it with a light, crisp salad to balance out the flavors. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette or a Caesar salad works wonderfully.
   • Garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables also complements this dish well.
2. Presentation Ideas:
   • For a more elegant presentation, serve the creamy ground beef Alfredo pasta in individual bowls. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few cracks of black pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
   • To add some extra flavor, you can drizzle a little olive oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
3. Leftover Storage and Reheating:
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a little milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in short bursts, stirring in between.

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