The Coziest Ground Beef Alfredo You'll Ever Make
I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet satisfying for my family. This ground beef alfredo has become our ultimate comfort dish combining rich creamy sauce with perfectly seasoned beef and tender mushrooms. The best part? It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Your kitchen will smell amazing as this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory beef and mushrooms swimming in that velvety alfredo sauce creates pure magic in every bite. I love that it uses basic ingredients from my pantry making it perfect for those nights when the grocery store feels too far away.
What You'll Need in Your Kitchen
- Olive Oil: Just a good glug to get those onions and garlic going.
- Onion + Garlic: The foundation of all good things in my kitchen.
- Ground Beef: I use 80-85% lean for the best flavor without too much grease.
- Mushrooms: Regular white or cremini mushrooms work beautifully here.
- Dry White Wine: Adds such lovely flavor but chicken stock works too.
- Chicken Stock: Go for low sodium so you can control the salt.
- Italian Seasoning: My favorite blend of herbs that makes everything taste better.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes our sauce irresistibly creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated makes all the difference trust me.
Bringing It All Together
- Cook Pasta:
- Get your pasta going in well salted water until just tender. Save a cup of that starchy water before draining.
- Prepare Aromatics:
- Start with olive oil onions and garlic in your biggest skillet. Let them get soft and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef:
- Break up the beef as it browns making sure every bit gets nicely colored.
- Sauté Mushrooms:
- Add those lovely mushrooms and watch them release their magic.
- Deglaze Pan:
- Splash in the wine and scrape up all those flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Pour in your stock and seasonings letting everything get cozy together.
- Finish Sauce:
- Now comes the cream pasta parmesan and that reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cheese because more cheese is always good.
What to Serve Alongside
My family goes crazy for this pasta with hot crusty garlic bread on the side. A simple green salad with tangy dressing cuts through all that richness perfectly. When I'm feeling extra good I'll roast some asparagus broccoli or Brussels sprouts to sneak in those veggies.
Saving Some for Later
This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just let it cool completely before storing it away. When you're ready to enjoy it again warm it slowly on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. If you want to freeze it separate the pasta and sauce first your future self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why save the pasta water?
That starchy water is liquid gold for getting the perfect sauce consistency. Add a splash if things get too thick.
- Can I skip the wine?
Use extra chicken stock instead. The wine adds depth, but the dish is still delicious without it.
- Why use both chicken stock and cream?
Stock adds flavor while keeping the sauce from being too heavy, and cream brings that classic alfredo richness.
- How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Lower the heat before adding cream and keep it at a gentle simmer. No boiling once the cream goes in.
- Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely! Just know the sauce might be a bit lighter in color and flavor than with beef.