Description
This Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta is a rich and creamy comfort dish featuring tender ground beef, velvety Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra cheesiness)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef & Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top and cover for 2 minutes until melted.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Want it extra creamy? Add ½ cup of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of cream when reheating.