There's something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish, isn't there? For me, the journey to perfecting the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake began on a chilly autumn evening years ago. I remember staring into the fridge, a pound of ground beef thawing, and a craving for something rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Traditional Alfredo felt a little too light for the mood, and a regular pasta bake seemed to lack that certain 'oomph'. That's when the idea struck: combine the hearty goodness of ground beef with the luxurious creaminess of Alfredo, then bake it all together for a truly unforgettable meal. My kids, usually picky eaters, devoured it so fast they asked for seconds before I even sat down. My husband, ever the critic, simply mumbled, 'This is a keeper.' And just like that, a new family favorite, the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake, was born. It's a dish that brings everyone to the table, creates warmth, and leaves everyone feeling utterly content. It's more than just a meal; it's a hug in a casserole dish.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Hearty & Satisfying: This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake combines tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and savory ground beef into a meal that genuinely fills you up and satisfies even the biggest appetites. It's the ultimate comfort food for a reason!
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Forget mealtime battles! The creamy texture and familiar flavors of this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake appeal to almost everyone, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
• Easy to Customize: While delicious as is, this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily add vegetables, different cheeses, or even a touch of spice to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake, and you'll have delicious leftovers for days. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for lunch prep or quick dinners.

Key Ingredient Notes

Crafting the perfect Ground Beef Alfredo Bake starts with understanding your ingredients. While the recipe is straightforward, a few key components truly elevate the dish:

Ground Beef

Choosing the right ground beef is crucial for the overall flavor and texture of your Ground Beef Alfredo Bake. I typically opt for 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef. This ratio provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish overly greasy. If you use a higher fat content, be sure to thoroughly drain any excess grease after browning to prevent a watery sauce. Browning the beef well, until it develops a nice crust, adds a depth of savory flavor that permeates the entire dish. Don't rush this step!

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is the backbone of any good Alfredo sauce, and our Ground Beef Alfredo Bake is no exception. There’s no real substitute for its rich, velvety texture and ability to create a luxurious sauce. Avoid using milk or half-and-half, as they won't provide the same richness and may curdle when heated too rapidly. The cream thickens beautifully, coating the pasta and beef in a decadent embrace that defines this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a game-changer. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty and less flavorful. A block of good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano, grated right before you add it, melts smoothly into the sauce, providing that essential salty, nutty, umami flavor that perfectly complements the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake. It’s worth the extra minute or two for the superior taste and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips

Let's get cooking! This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake comes together easily with a few key steps.

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work wonderfully for this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse.
• Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and melted. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thick, add a splash more cream or milk.
• Step 4: Combine & Assemble. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
• Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish. Pour the entire Ground Beef Alfredo Bake mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
• Step 6: Top and Bake. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake. For an extra golden crust, you can also add a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
• Step 7: Broil for Golden Finish. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. If you prefer a darker, crispier cheese topping, you can briefly broil it for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Step 8: Rest and Serve. Let the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for easier serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake is fantastic on its own, but it's also a wonderful canvas for creativity! Here are some ideas to make it even more special:

Variations

• Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers with the ground beef during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color in your Ground Beef Alfredo Bake.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef as it browns or to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle warmth.
• Cheesy Alternatives: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile in your Ground Beef Alfredo Bake.
• Herby Delight: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil can be added to the Alfredo sauce for an aromatic twist.
• Crumb Topping: For a textural contrast, mix some breadcrumbs (panko works great!) with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking. This gives the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake a lovely, crunchy crust.

Serving Suggestions

A rich dish like Ground Beef Alfredo Bake pairs beautifully with simple, fresh accompaniments:

• Crisp Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious Alfredo sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts roasted with a little olive oil and garlic make a healthy and flavorful side.

Leftovers of this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I often use Basics Glass Food Storage containers for easy reheating. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the sauce's creaminess.

If you're looking for other hearty comfort food recipes, be sure to check out our Classic Salisbury Steak with Rich Mushroom Gravy or our delicious Creamy Dijon Pork Chops with Roasted Potatoes. They both deliver that satisfying warmth just like this amazing Ground Beef Alfredo Bake.

Nutrition Information

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake truly is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinarily comforting and delicious. It's the kind of meal that brings smiles, satisfies hunger, and creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether you're whipping it up for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, I promise this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake will become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every creamy, meaty bite!

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Ground Beef Alfredo Bake

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A comforting and hearty pasta bake featuring savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine), cooked al dente
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the nutmeg until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more cream or milk.
Step 6: Add the cooked ground beef mixture and the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7: Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Step 9: Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. For a darker crust, you can broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 11: Let the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish reheats wonderfully; add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick when reheating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 145mg