Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
When you’re craving something indulgent yet incredibly easy to make, this Ground Beef Alfredo is the answer. Imagine tender pasta shells coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, with savory ground beef and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to bring it all together. This dish combines the best of both worlds—hearty and comforting, yet fancy enough to serve for a cozy dinner gathering. It’s a little twist on the classic Alfredo, and let me tell you, it never fails to impress!
I first came across this idea while trying to reinvent the standard pasta dinner. You know those nights when you want something homemade but just can’t spend hours in the kitchen? I wanted Alfredo but with a twist that would feel a bit more substantial, and adding ground beef was a total game-changer. The first time I made this, it was an instant hit in my house. It’s now a go-to comfort meal, perfect for a quick family dinner or even a weekend treat when you’re looking for something cozy and delicious.
A Little History on Alfredo… with a Twist!
Alfredo sauce originated in Rome in the early 1900s, thanks to Italian chef Alfredo di Lelio. It started as a simple sauce made from butter and Parmesan, meant to comfort his wife when she was ill. Over the years, the recipe traveled to the U.S. and evolved, becoming the creamy, rich sauce we know today. But here’s where this Ground Beef Alfredo veers from the traditional. By adding ground beef, we’re giving Alfredo a heartier twist, perfect for those days when you want a filling meal without the fuss.
Let’s Talk Ingredients: Building Layers of Flavor
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a role in making the dish truly satisfying.
- Small Pasta Shells: These little shells are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, giving you that full-flavored bite every time. If you’re out of shells, try using penne or rotini—they’re equally good at holding sauce.
- Lean Ground Beef: Adding ground beef makes this dish more substantial and adds a savory, meaty element that pairs well with the creamy Alfredo sauce. If you’re looking to switch it up, ground turkey or chicken also work beautifully.
- Butter and Garlic Puree: Butter adds richness to the sauce, and the garlic puree gives it that delicious, aromatic kick. If you don’t have garlic puree, minced fresh garlic or even garlic powder in a pinch will do the job.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the Alfredo its signature creaminess. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings an extra layer of flavor, making the sauce feel more complex and aromatic.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: The final touch! Parmesan adds saltiness and depth to the sauce. For best results, use freshly shredded Parmesan—it melts better and tastes richer than the pre-packaged stuff.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
You don’t need much to pull this together, but a few key tools make a difference:
- Large Skillet: A wide, non-stick skillet helps cook the beef evenly and has enough room for mixing in the pasta at the end. If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, just keep an eye on the beef to prevent sticking.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef as it cooks and stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: For draining the pasta shells without losing any in the sink!
- Microplane Grater: If you’re grating fresh Parmesan, a microplane or fine grater makes it quick and easy.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo
Let’s dive in! This recipe is easy to follow, but I’ve added a few tips to make sure it turns out perfect.
- Cook the pasta shells: Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, as they’ll continue to cook a bit once they’re in the sauce. Once done, drain and set aside. (Pro tip: Save a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to thin out the sauce later!)
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it browns. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Make sure it’s fully cooked before moving to the next step.
- Add butter and garlic: Once the beef is cooked, add in the butter and garlic puree. Stir until the butter melts completely, and the garlic is fragrant. Trust me, this garlic-butter combo smells amazing—it’s the base of the sauce’s flavor!
- Pour in the cream and seasonings: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and add the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it bubble away for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently. This thickens the sauce slightly and infuses it with the seasonings.
- Add the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir until all the pasta is coated in that luxurious sauce. Take a moment to admire that creamy goodness—it’s hard not to dig in right away!
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is silky. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy: Time to dig in! Spoon the pasta into bowls, garnish with a bit more Parmesan or even some chopped parsley for color, and enjoy the comfort of this creamy, hearty dish.

Fun Variations to Try
If you love experimenting, here are some ideas to make this dish your own:
- Vegetable Boost: Try adding some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added texture and color. Just sauté them in the skillet after the beef is browned.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle some chili oil on top before serving.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells—this dish is all about that creamy sauce, so it’ll taste just as good!
- Lower-Calorie Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, and use ground turkey instead of beef. It’ll be lighter but still creamy and satisfying.
- Bacon & Beef Combo: Crisp up some bacon in the skillet before adding the ground beef. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that’s fantastic with Alfredo.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
To really make this dish feel like a special meal, serve it in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper on top. Fresh parsley or basil leaves add a lovely pop of color. If you’re serving this for a group, place the skillet right on the table (on a trivet!) and let everyone serve themselves. Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta, and some garlic bread for that ultimate comfort food experience.
Drink Pairings for Ground Beef Alfredo
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce without overwhelming it.
- Red Wine: If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works surprisingly well, cutting through the creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Non-Alcoholic: A sparkling lemonade or Italian soda adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors here.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet and gently warm the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring until it’s creamy again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the sauce break and the pasta a bit mushy.
Adjusting for Different Serving Sizes
This recipe serves about four people generously, but if you’re cooking for a crowd, you can easily double it. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or pot to handle the extra volume. If you’re cooking for two, halve the ingredients but keep an eye on the sauce as it might thicken faster.

FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Shells are perfect, but penne, rotini, or even fusilli will do a great job holding onto the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, slightly undercook the pasta, and add extra cream when reheating.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: For a dairy-free version, use a coconut cream base (unsweetened) and dairy-free cheese. It won’t be the same, but it’s still delicious!
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions and add color and flavor.
So, are you ready to dig into this creamy, cozy Ground Beef Alfredo? Give it a try and feel free to play around with the ingredients to make it truly your own. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Ground Beef Alfredo combines creamy pasta with hearty beef for the ultimate comfort food! Easy and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons garlic puree
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells: Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, as they’ll continue to cook a bit once they’re in the sauce. Once done, drain and set aside. (Pro tip: Save a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to thin out the sauce later!)
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it browns. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Make sure it’s fully cooked before moving to the next step.
- Add butter and garlic: Once the beef is cooked, add in the butter and garlic puree. Stir until the butter melts completely, and the garlic is fragrant. Trust me, this garlic-butter combo smells amazing—it’s the base of the sauce’s flavor!
- Pour in the cream and seasonings: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and add the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it bubble away for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently. This thickens the sauce slightly and infuses it with the seasonings.
- Add the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir until all the pasta is coated in that luxurious sauce. Take a moment to admire that creamy goodness—it’s hard not to dig in right away!
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is silky. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy: Time to dig in! Spoon the pasta into bowls, garnish with a bit more Parmesan or even some chopped parsley for color, and enjoy the comfort of this creamy, hearty dish.
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
To really make this dish feel like a special meal, serve it in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper on top. Fresh parsley or basil leaves add a lovely pop of color. If you’re serving this for a group, place the skillet right on the table (on a trivet!) and let everyone serve themselves. Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta, and some garlic bread for that ultimate comfort food experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner