Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, tossed with fettuccine for a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce has thickened.
4. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4, with a total time of 30 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
• Pasta Choices: Use other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
2. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
   It’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. When reheating, the sauce may need additional cream to restore its texture.
3. What if I don’t have fettuccine?
   You can use any pasta shape you prefer; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. Can I make it spicy?
   Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
5. How can I make it healthier?
   Use lean ground beef, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
6. What should I serve with this pasta?
   A side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this dish.
7. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
   Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add vibrant flavor; use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
8. How can I thicken the sauce more?
   Simmer the sauce longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to thicken it up.
9. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
10. How do I store leftover pasta?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a deliciously rich and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. With its creamy sauce and savory ground beef, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, and savor every creamy bite!

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