Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight

This Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef, a velvety Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something indulgent!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy – A rich, velvety Alfredo sauce with melty cheese.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Hearty & Filling – Loaded with beef and pasta for a satisfying meal.
• One-Pan Option – Fewer dishes, less cleanup.
• Customizable – Add veggies, adjust the cheese, or spice it up!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta & Beef:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add onion and garlic to the beef, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and let it melt.
• Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, black pepper, and nutmeg.
• Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything

• Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
• Stir in ½ cup mozzarella until melted.

6. Bake for Extra Cheesiness (Optional)

• Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in cheddar or gouda for extra richness.
• Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Different Protein – Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or sausage.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without extra cheese topping).
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes! Use 1 ½ cups of your favorite Alfredo sauce.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce best.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Use low heat and stir constantly while adding cheese.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits add great flavor.

What’s the best cheese for Alfredo?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone melt well and add creaminess.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich—try whole milk or half & half.

How do I make this extra creamy?

Add more Parmesan or an extra tablespoon of butter.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker on low for 2 hours.

What’s a good side dish for this?

Serve with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and hearty. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-style pasta at home!

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