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- 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Start with your fettuccine pasta. I love its wide shape, which holds onto the creamy sauce well. Use lean ground beef to keep things light but still tasty. The extra virgin olive oil adds a nice richness when you cook the beef. Next, fresh garlic is a must. It brings great flavor to the mix. Heavy whipping cream is what makes this dish creamy and dreamy. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese! It adds a salty kick and helps thicken the sauce. Seasoning is important too. An Italian seasoning blend gives depth, while kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes your plate pop with color and freshness. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Happy cooking! - Bring a pot of salted water to boil. - Cook fettuccine as per package instructions (8-10 minutes). Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt helps enhance the pasta's flavor, making each bite tastier. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 oz of fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite. Drain the pasta in a colander. Save a bit of the pasta water. You might want it later to adjust the sauce. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Add ground beef and cook until browned. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. The oil helps prevent the beef from sticking and adds flavor. Once the oil is hot, add 1 lb of ground beef. Break the meat apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the beef to be fully cooked and browned. Drain any extra fat from the skillet to keep your dish lighter. - Sauté garlic in the beef mixture. - Incorporate heavy cream and let it simmer. - Add Parmesan cheese and season to taste. With the beef still in the skillet, add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic smells good but isn't burnt. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Stir well to mix it with the beef. Let this simmer gently for about 2 minutes. Now, gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste it and add kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as you like. - Mix drained pasta with the creamy beef sauce. - Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Now it's time to bring it all together! Add the drained fettuccine to the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure each piece of pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help you achieve your desired consistency, making it even creamier. That's it! You have created a delicious Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To cook pasta al dente, boil it until it has a slight bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes for fettuccine. Taste it a minute before the time is up. If it’s firm yet tender, you’re golden! To retain pasta water, save a cup before draining. This starchy water helps your sauce cling to the pasta. Add a little if your sauce feels too thick. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Dried oregano and thyme also work well. A touch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic for added texture and taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite combos. To prevent excess fat, choose lean ground beef. After cooking, drain the fat from the skillet. This keeps the dish lighter and healthier. For perfect browning, cook the beef in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This way, it cooks evenly and gets a nice color. Mix it around less for better browning. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. {{image_4}} You can switch out the ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They offer a lighter taste while still being filling. If you want a meat-free option, try mushrooms or lentils. Both add a nice texture and flavor. You can sauté the mushrooms first to deepen their taste. Lentils are also great. Cook them until tender and mix them in with the sauce. While fettuccine is classic, feel free to explore other pasta types. Penne, spaghetti, or rotini can bring new textures to the dish. Each type holds the sauce differently, making every bite unique. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. They cook similarly and taste great with the creamy sauce. Cheese is key to a good Alfredo, but you can mix it up. Try mozzarella for a stretchier texture or Gouda for a smoky flavor. Cheddar can add a nice twist too. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, vegan cheese works. Brands like cashew cheese or almond cheese melt well and can create a creamy sauce. Adjust the amount to get the flavor you love. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. To freeze cooked pasta with sauce, first let it cool completely. Then, place the pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This will keep it from getting freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to keep it creamy. You can make quick meals with leftover ground beef pasta. Try mixing it with eggs for a tasty breakfast scramble. You can also layer it in a baking dish with cheese and bake it for a pasta bake. Another idea is to turn it into a soup by adding broth and veggies. These options make great meals using what you already have. For the full recipe, check out the main article. You can lighten this dish with a few easy swaps. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will cut down on fat but still keep it creamy. You can also replace some cheese with a lower-fat option. Adding fresh veggies like spinach or zucchini can help too. They add flavor and nutrients without the heaviness. Yes, you can get a head start on this meal! Cook the pasta and beef separately. You can store them in the fridge for a day or two. When you're ready to eat, reheat the beef and sauce. Then mix in the pasta. This saves time and lets the flavors blend. Absolutely! You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps make the dish creamy while keeping it dairy-free. Enjoy a tasty meal that fits your needs! In this post, we covered how to make delicious ground beef pasta with Alfredo sauce. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. Remember, you can swap proteins and pasta types for variety. Store leftovers properly, and with these guidelines, meal prep becomes easy. This tasty recipe brings joy to any dinner table. You can enjoy and share it with family and friends!

Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Beefy Alfredo Delight that will elevate your dinner game! Featuring tender fettuccine pasta and flavorful ground beef, this easy recipe is packed with rich flavors from Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a delicious dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.

    In a spacious skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the beef is thoroughly cooked and nicely browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish lighter.

      With the beef still in the skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.

        Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the beef and any residual juices. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which should take about 2 minutes.

          Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce has formed a rich, creamy consistency. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

            Add the drained fettuccine to the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring that each strand of pasta is well-coated in the beef Alfredo sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

              Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and cling to the pasta even better.

                Serve the Creamy Beefy Alfredo Delight immediately, placing generous portions onto plates or into shallow bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4