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12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any shape you love)
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet for cooking beef and sauce
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Grater for fresh Parmesan
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a twist.
Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli pair beautifully with the sauce.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter dish.
Go gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water—it’ll help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens—about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and beef are coated evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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