Few meals are as comforting, rich, and satisfying as a bowl of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta. This irresistible dish combines tender pasta, juicy seasoned ground beef, and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce into one hearty, family-friendly meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, meal prep, and even entertaining guests when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Unlike traditional chicken Alfredo, this beef version delivers bold flavor, extra richness, and unbeatable heartiness. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your home.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
- Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly using simple pantry staples
- Ultra creamy and rich with classic Alfredo flavor
- Family-approved comfort food
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
- Easily customizable with veggies, spice, or cheese
If you’re craving a creamy pasta dinner that’s both filling and indulgent, this recipe checks every box.
🍝 What Is Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta?
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a modern twist on classic Alfredo. Instead of chicken or shrimp, seasoned ground beef is used for the protein. The beef adds depth, richness, and heartiness that transforms Alfredo into a bold, satisfying meal.
The dish features:
- Al dente pasta
- Savory ground beef
- Garlic butter cream sauce
- Parmesan and mozzarella for extra cheesiness
It’s the perfect blend of Italian-inspired flavors with American comfort food appeal.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, rotini, or linguine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach or broccoli
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👨🍳 How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Drain excess grease and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
4. Add the Cheese
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
Return cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
6. Serve & Garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy.
🍽 Best Side Dishes for Beef Alfredo Pasta
This dish is rich and filling, so lighter sides work best:
- Garlic bread or cheese toast
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Tomato cucumber salad
- Garlic roasted carrots
🔄 Recipe Variations You’ll Love
1. Cheesy Baked Beef Alfredo
Transfer pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly.
2. Spicy Beef Alfredo
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
3. Beef and Broccoli Alfredo
Add steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
4. Mushroom Beef Alfredo
Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for a deeper, earthy flavor.
5. Low-Carb Version
Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Alfredo Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor
- Don’t boil the cream—gentle simmer prevents curdling
- Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed
- Season in layers for the best taste
- Serve immediately for maximum creaminess
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Cream-based sauces can be frozen but may separate slightly. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works So Well
The bold, savory beef balances perfectly with the rich Alfredo sauce. While chicken Alfredo is classic, using ground beef adds:
- Deeper flavor
- More satisfying texture
- Better budget flexibility
- A comforting, home-cooked feel
It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any night of the week.
✅ Final Thoughts
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner—rich, cheesy, hearty, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, cooking for guests, or prepping meals for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
If you love creamy pasta and bold beefy flavor, this recipe will quickly become one of your most-requested meals.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
Ingredients
• 8 oz fettuccine or rigatoni (or chickpea pasta for +10g protein; zucchini noodles for low-carb)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated, for depth)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta to al dente. Drain. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, brown beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Remove beef; set aside.
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium. Sauté garlic 1 min—don’t brown!
- Pour in cream; simmer 3–4 mins until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and velvety. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Return beef and cooked pasta to skillet. Toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 25 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 540, Net Carbs: 32g, Fats: 36g, Protein: 28g
✅ Keto-friendly with zucchini noodles — net carbs drop to ~7g/serving.