Ground Beef Alfredo: A Rich and Easy Weeknight Dinner

The Origins of Alfredo Sauce

Before diving into the recipe, let's take a quick look at the history of Alfredo sauce. In Rome, Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian restaurateur, first created this creamy sauce in the early 1900s. The original recipe consisted of butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water, resulting in a simple yet decadent dish. Over time, the recipe evolved, with heavy cream becoming a staple ingredient in Americanized versions.

Why Use Ground Beef in Alfredo?

Ground beef may not be the first protein that comes to mind when thinking about Alfredo, but it brings several benefits to the table:

1. Affordability: Ground beef is often more budget-friendly than chicken, shrimp, or steak.
2. Flavor: The richness of beef adds a robust depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
3. Ease of Cooking: Ground beef cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
4. Versatility: You can customize the dish with different seasonings, vegetables, and pasta types.Now, let's get to the heart of the dish—the recipe!

Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but enhances the flavor)
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved for cooking the pasta)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces of fettuccine or your preferred pasta
• Salted water for boiling

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.

Prepare the Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook until browned and fully cooked through about 7-8 minutes.
5. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Combine Everything:

1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Let it simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve hot, and enjoy your creamy, savory Ground beef and alfredo sauce!

If you want to take this dish to the next level or customize it to your preference, here are some variations:

1. Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and texture.
2. Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or diced jalapeños for some heat.
3. Use Different Pasta: While fettuccine is the classic choice, penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well too.
4. Experiment with Cheese: For a different cheesy twist, try mixing in some mozzarella, Gouda, or even blue cheese. To make It Healthier, Substitute heavy cream for half-and-half or milk and use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
5. Enhance the Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth to the dish.
6. Make It a One-Pot Meal: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding extra broth or milk, allowing it to absorb the flavors while cooking.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Alfredo

To round out your meal, consider serving your Alfredo with:

• A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

To keep your Ground Beef Alfredo fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating tips:

• Refrigeration:

  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from watering the sauce.

• Reheating on the Stovetop:

  Heat the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or heavy cream while stirring to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• Reheating in the Microwave:

  Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add milk or cream, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

• Freezing:

  While dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate, you can freeze Alfredo for up to a month. Store it in an airtight container and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove with added liquid to maintain smoothness.

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