Short Description
Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a luscious Alfredo sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory beef flavor.
Quick and easy to prepare, great for busy nights.
A satisfying one-dish meal the whole family will enjoy.
Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings.
Perfect for leftovers and meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Alfredo sauce
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the garlic, Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring well to coat evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Different Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Bacon Boost: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before baking.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and Alfredo sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
FAQs
How can I prevent my pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best cheese combination?
A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan provides great flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work best for holding the sauce and cheese.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and add extra vegetables.
What can I serve with this pasta bake?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! A good-quality Alfredo sauce works great.
Can I add ricotta cheese?
Yes, adding ricotta between layers makes it extra creamy and rich.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra layer of cheese in the middle before baking.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight is a creamy, indulgent dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!
PrintCheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight
This Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight is a rich and creamy dish loaded with tender ground beef, a velvety Alfredo sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this pasta dish comes together easily and is sure to be a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked beef and drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Melt the Mozzarella: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet. Let it melt for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add ½ cup of ricotta or mascarpone cheese.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a different flavor twist.
- Use a store-bought Alfredo sauce for an even quicker version.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal!