Description
Cheesy beef alfredo pasta delight delivers a comforting Italian-American fusion that satisfies hearty appetites. Creamy parmesan sauce, seasoned ground beef, and al dente pasta create a rich meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 grams) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 grams) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook pasta until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving the pasta for later incorporation.
- Beef Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Introduce ground beef, browning thoroughly for 5-6 minutes to develop deep, caramelized flavors. Drain excess fat to ensure a clean, concentrated protein base.
- Aromatic Infusion: Fold in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence. Sprinkle with salt, cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
- Sauce Creation: Reduce heat to medium-low, adding a pat of butter to create a luxurious foundation. Pour in heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and develop a silky consistency. Gradually whisk in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the sauce transforms into a seamless, creamy masterpiece.
- Final Assembly: Reunite the reserved pasta with the decadent sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete, even coating. Shower with an additional layer of mozzarella, covering briefly to create a golden, bubbling cheese blanket. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate the Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight while piping hot, accompanied by crisp garlic bread or a refreshing side salad to complete this indulgent culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a delightful bite that holds up perfectly in the creamy sauce.
- Control Beef Browning: Allow ground beef to develop deep caramelization without burning, creating rich flavor foundations through proper heat management and occasional stirring.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce without separating or becoming grainy.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s rich, comforting essence while reducing carbohydrate content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg