Name: Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended): The heart of this dish, ground beef provides a robust, savory base that beautifully complements the creamy Alfredo sauce. An 80/20 blend offers a good balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring the beef remains tender and juicy even after browning. You can also opt for leaner ground beef if desired, but be mindful that it might require a touch more olive oil during browning to prevent dryness. Consider exploring different types of ground beef, such as ground chuck or sirloin, for varying levels of richness and flavor depth. For a richer flavor profile, you can even experiment with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage.; 1 pound Pasta (Fettuccine, Penne, or Rotini recommended): Pasta is the perfect canvas for the luscious Alfredo sauce and savory ground beef. Fettuccine, with its wide, flat shape, is a classic choice that wonderfully holds onto the creamy sauce. Penne, with its tubular shape and ridges, effectively traps the sauce inside and out, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Rotini, with its spirals, offers a playful texture and also does a great job of clinging to the sauce. Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or even shells – each will offer a slightly different textural experience. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat pasta or lentil-based pasta, which adds fiber and nutritional value.; 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted): Butter is the foundation of a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish and ensures the delicate flavors of the other ingredients shine through. High-quality butter, with a higher fat content, will contribute to a creamier and more luxurious sauce. If you’re using salted butter, be sure to adjust the added salt accordingly, tasting as you go. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could even try using browned butter, which adds a nutty and caramelized depth to the sauce.; 4 cloves Garlic (Minced): Garlic is an essential aromatic that infuses the Alfredo sauce and ground beef with its pungent and savory notes. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, as pre-minced garlic can sometimes lose its potency. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – if you love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two. For a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before mincing them, which mellows out the sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness.; 2 cups Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the key ingredient that creates the signature richness and velvety texture of Alfredo sauce. Its high fat content ensures a luxurious and decadent sauce that beautifully coats the pasta and ground beef. For the best results, use full-fat heavy cream. While you can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, the sauce will be significantly less creamy and rich. For a vegan Alfredo sauce alternative, consider using full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream.; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Parmesan cheese is the cornerstone of authentic Alfredo sauce, providing its characteristic salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for the best taste and texture, as pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose and anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly and impart a slightly grainy texture. Use a high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for the most authentic and flavorful results. For a sharper and more pronounced Parmesan flavor, you can also incorporate a small amount of Pecorino Romano cheese.; 1/2 cup Pasta Water (Reserved): Pasta water, the starchy water leftover after cooking pasta, is a secret weapon in creating a perfectly emulsified and luscious Alfredo sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce together, creating a smooth and creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta. Always reserve pasta water before draining the pasta. If you forget to reserve pasta water, you can use plain hot water or chicken broth as a substitute, but the sauce might not be as thick and emulsified.; 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that adds a layer of herbaceous complexity to the dish, complementing the richness of the Alfredo sauce and savory ground beef. You can find pre-made Italian seasoning blends in most grocery stores, or you can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Feel free to adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to your preference, or experiment with other dried herbs like red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or parsley for freshness.; Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients and bring balance to the dish. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor. Taste the Alfredo sauce and ground beef mixture at various stages and adjust seasoning accordingly to ensure the final dish is perfectly seasoned to your liking.; Optional Garnishes: Fresh Parsley (chopped), Red Pepper Flakes (for heat), Extra Parmesan Cheese (for serving). Garnishes add visual appeal, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor to the finished dish. Fresh parsley provides a pop of color and herbaceousness, red pepper flakes add a touch of heat for those who like a little spice, and extra Parmesan cheese allows for an extra cheesy indulgence at the table. Consider other garnish options like a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended): The heart of this dish, ground beef provides a robust, savory base that beautifully complements the creamy Alfredo sauce. An 80/20 blend offers a good balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring the beef remains tender and juicy even after browning. You can also opt for leaner ground beef if desired, but be mindful that it might require a touch more olive oil during browning to prevent dryness. Consider exploring different types of ground beef, such as ground chuck or sirloin, for varying levels of richness and flavor depth. For a richer flavor profile, you can even experiment with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage.

1 pound Pasta (Fettuccine, Penne, or Rotini recommended): Pasta is the perfect canvas for the luscious Alfredo sauce and savory ground beef. Fettuccine, with its wide, flat shape, is a classic choice that wonderfully holds onto the creamy sauce. Penne, with its tubular shape and ridges, effectively traps the sauce inside and out, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Rotini, with its spirals, offers a playful texture and also does a great job of clinging to the sauce. Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or even shells – each will offer a slightly different textural experience. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat pasta or lentil-based pasta, which adds fiber and nutritional value.

4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted): Butter is the foundation of a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish and ensures the delicate flavors of the other ingredients shine through. High-quality butter, with a higher fat content, will contribute to a creamier and more luxurious sauce. If you’re using salted butter, be sure to adjust the added salt accordingly, tasting as you go. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could even try using browned butter, which adds a nutty and caramelized depth to the sauce.

4 cloves Garlic (Minced): Garlic is an essential aromatic that infuses the Alfredo sauce and ground beef with its pungent and savory notes. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, as pre-minced garlic can sometimes lose its potency. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – if you love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two. For a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before mincing them, which mellows out the sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness.

2 cups Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the key ingredient that creates the signature richness and velvety texture of Alfredo sauce. Its high fat content ensures a luxurious and decadent sauce that beautifully coats the pasta and ground beef. For the best results, use full-fat heavy cream. While you can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, the sauce will be significantly less creamy and rich. For a vegan Alfredo sauce alternative, consider using full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream.

1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Parmesan cheese is the cornerstone of authentic Alfredo sauce, providing its characteristic salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for the best taste and texture, as pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose and anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly and impart a slightly grainy texture. Use a high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for the most authentic and flavorful results. For a sharper and more pronounced Parmesan flavor, you can also incorporate a small amount of Pecorino Romano cheese.

1/2 cup Pasta Water (Reserved): Pasta water, the starchy water leftover after cooking pasta, is a secret weapon in creating a perfectly emulsified and luscious Alfredo sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce together, creating a smooth and creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta. Always reserve pasta water before draining the pasta. If you forget to reserve pasta water, you can use plain hot water or chicken broth as a substitute, but the sauce might not be as thick and emulsified.

1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that adds a layer of herbaceous complexity to the dish, complementing the richness of the Alfredo sauce and savory ground beef. You can find pre-made Italian seasoning blends in most grocery stores, or you can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Feel free to adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to your preference, or experiment with other dried herbs like red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or parsley for freshness.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients and bring balance to the dish. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor. Taste the Alfredo sauce and ground beef mixture at various stages and adjust seasoning accordingly to ensure the final dish is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

Optional Garnishes: Fresh Parsley (chopped), Red Pepper Flakes (for heat), Extra Parmesan Cheese (for serving). Garnishes add visual appeal, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor to the finished dish. Fresh parsley provides a pop of color and herbaceousness, red pepper flakes add a touch of heat for those who like a little spice, and extra Parmesan cheese allows for an extra cheesy indulgence at the table. Consider other garnish options like a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Generously salting the water is crucial as it seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its flavor. Add the pasta of your choice to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente pasta has a slight bite to it, preventing it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. While the pasta cooks, ensure you stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining it completely. This pasta water will be essential for creating a perfectly emulsified and creamy Alfredo sauce later on. Set the drained pasta aside and keep it warm.

Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ground beef. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or a tablespoon of butter for extra richness) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Brown the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink. As the ground beef cooks, it will release fat. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the final dish from being overly greasy. Draining the excess fat also ensures that the flavors of the other ingredients can shine through without being masked by greasiness.

Sauté Garlic and Add Seasoning: Once the ground beef is browned and drained, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Sautéing the garlic in butter or olive oil releases its aromatic oils, infusing the ground beef and the subsequent Alfredo sauce with its savory flavor. After sautéing the garlic, add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the ground beef and garlic are evenly coated with the seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed at this stage.

Make the Alfredo Sauce: Now it’s time to create the creamy Alfredo sauce. Reduce the heat to low. This is crucial as high heat can cause the heavy cream to scorch or separate. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Gently stir to combine the cream with the ground beef and seasonings. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmering the cream allows it to thicken slightly and meld with the flavors of the ground beef, garlic, and seasonings. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Do not boil the sauce vigorously, as this can also cause it to separate.

Melt in the Parmesan Cheese: Once the Alfredo sauce has slightly thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. This step is important as adding Parmesan cheese to boiling sauce can cause it to clump. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the warm cream, creating a smooth, rich, and cheesy Alfredo sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce is velvety smooth and there are no clumps of cheese remaining.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy ground beef Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce, ensuring every strand is enveloped in creamy goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, while tossing, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to thin out the sauce and create a silky, emulsified texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Continue tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.

Serve Immediately: Once the pasta is well coated in the sauce and heated through, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if desired), and extra grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve in bowls or plates and allow your family and friends to savor the deliciousness of this homemade comfort food.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 650-750
Sugar: 5-7 grams
Sodium: 700-900 mg
Fat: 45-55 grams
Saturated Fat: 25-35 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Fiber: 2-4 grams
Protein: 30-40 grams
Cholesterol: 180-220 mg