Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: this incredible One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta Alfredo! As a long-time enthusiast of simple yet satisfying meals, I can confidently say this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the kind of dish you can effortlessly whip up, knowing it will be met with rave reviews. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, all coating perfectly cooked pasta in a single pot. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s bursting with flavor – a true testament that restaurant-quality meals don’t require fancy ingredients or endless cleanup. After over a decade of testing quick and easy recipes, this one consistently delivers, proving that convenience and deliciousness can indeed go hand-in-hand.

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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary revelation for busy evenings. Here’s why this ground beef Alfredo will become a staple in your kitchen:
- A True One-Pot Wonder: Forget the multi-pot mess! This recipe simplifies dinner by cooking everything in a single skillet or Dutch oven. No separate pot for pasta, no mountain of dishes afterwards. You’ll brown your beef, add the sauce ingredients and pasta, and let it simmer to perfection. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
- Unbeatable Comfort Food: Dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness. We’re talking about perfectly seasoned, juicy ground beef immersed in a lusciously creamy, Parmesan-rich Alfredo sauce. Every forkful is a warm hug for your soul, reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant but made right at home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
- Speedy and Hugely Satisfying: From prep to plate in approximately 35 minutes, this dish is designed for efficiency without compromising on taste. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day or simply craving a quick, wholesome meal for yourself, this recipe delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.
- Incredibly Easy to Adapt: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. Feel free to switch up the pasta shape to whatever you have on hand – penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work beautifully. You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage, toss in extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat. It’s truly versatile to suit any preference or dietary need.
- Perfect for Leftovers (If There Are Any!): While this dish is so good that leftovers are rare, should you find yourself with some, you’re in luck! This ground beef Alfredo reheats beautifully. A splash of extra cream or broth can revive the sauce to its original silky texture, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as delightful as the first serving.
Essential Ground Beef Alfredo Ingredients
Crafting this savory one-pot meal requires a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Ground Beef: The star of our dish, providing a rich, meaty base. Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and texture, though leaner options work well too if you prefer to control fat content. The beef brings a robust heartiness that stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce.
- Pasta: While this recipe is incredibly versatile, classic Alfredo often calls for wide, flat noodles like fettuccine or linguine. These shapes excel at catching and holding onto every drop of that decadent, cheesy sauce, ensuring a perfect, saucy bite every time. However, don’t hesitate to use spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle if that’s what you have. The magic is in the creamy coating!
- Onions: Diced onions create an aromatic foundation, softening and sweetening as they cook, adding depth to the beef mixture.
- Green Bell Peppers: These add a subtle sweetness and a vibrant pop of color, complementing the savory beef without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! Its pungent, aromatic flavor is essential for building the classic Alfredo taste profile.
- Canned Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes introduce a hint of smokiness and a delicate acidity that cuts through the richness of the Alfredo, adding complexity and a beautiful hue to the sauce.
- Beef Broth: Crucial for cooking the pasta directly in the pot, infusing it with savory flavor from the start. You can also use vegetable or chicken broth for a slightly different taste.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The cornerstone of any authentic Alfredo sauce, heavy cream provides the luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel that defines this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Alfredo simply isn’t Alfredo without Parmesan. This hard, salty, nutty cheese is what gives the sauce its signature depth and savory tang. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan over pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into a wonderfully smooth, restaurant-quality creamy sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, this seasoning ties all the flavors together, giving the dish its characteristic herbaceous aroma.
- Cajun Seasoning (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, a touch of Cajun seasoning can add a fantastic spicy kick, transforming the flavor profile.


How to Make One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo
Creating this delicious one-pot ground beef Alfredo is surprisingly simple, transforming your kitchen into an Italian-inspired haven with minimal effort. Detailed measurements and full instructions are provided in the comprehensive recipe card below, but here’s an overview of the straightforward steps:
- Brown the Beef: Begin by placing a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a meat chopper or wooden spoon. Season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as it browns.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the beef is nearly cooked, introduce the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, no longer pink, and the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, allowing their subtle sweetness and tang to meld with the savory beef and vegetables.
- Set Aside Beef Mixture: Carefully remove the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture from the pan and set it aside in a bowl. This step ensures that the beef doesn’t become overcooked while the pasta is simmering. Drain any excess fat from the pan, leaving just a little for flavor.
- Build the Sauce: Return the same pan to medium-high heat. Pour in the beef broth and heavy whipping cream. Season with a touch more Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring this creamy mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: Once the liquid is bubbling, add your uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Gently push the pasta down into the liquid; longer pasta shapes will soften and submerge as they cook.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the pasta isn’t fully submerged, add a bit more broth as needed.
- Incorporate Cheese and Beef: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and fold it gently into the sauce until it’s beautifully melted and creamy. Then, return the reserved ground beef and vegetable mixture to the pot. Fold everything together, ensuring the beef and pasta are thoroughly combined and coated in the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. The flavors will continue to meld, and the sauce will thicken slightly, becoming even more irresistible. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.






Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe
Brandi Crawford
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10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
dinner, lunch
American
5
servings
650
kcal
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Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Meat Chopper
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning Optional for a spicy kick.
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced green peppers
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced
- 14.5 oz canned fire roasted diced tomatoes Drained
Pasta and Alfredo Sauce
- 1-2 cups broth (beef, vegetable, or chicken) or water. Broth adds additional flavor.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning Optional for spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 oz pasta I used linguine. See notes. 8oz of pasta will result in a creamier texture.
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place a large skillet (large enough to fit the pasta and ground beef) or Dutch oven on the stove at medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef. Break down the ground beef using a meat chopper, wooden, or silicone spoon. Season the ground beef with the spices.1 pound ground beef,
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning,
Salt and pepper to taste,
1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning - Add in the onions, green peppers, and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the meat is fully cooked, no longer pink, and the onions and garlic are fragrant.½ cup diced onions,
½ cup diced green peppers,
2-3 garlic cloves - Add in the diced tomatoes and stir.14.5 oz canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
- Remove the ground beef and vegetables from the pan and set aside. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Place the same pan or pot on the stove at medium-high heat. Add the broth and heavy cream to the pot. Start with 1 cup of broth. Taste the sauce repeatedly and add salt and additional spices as necessary to suit your taste.1-2 cups broth (beef, vegetable, or chicken),
1 cup heavy whipping cream,
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning,
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning,
Salt and pepper to taste - Once the mixture begins to boil and bubble add in the pasta. The pasta should wilt down without the need to break it.8-10 oz pasta
- Once the pasta has wilted and is fully covered in the sauce, adjust the heat to medium and cover the pot. If the pasta isn’t completely submerged in sauce, add additional broth as needed.
- Simmer the pasta for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and fold to combine.1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Add the ground beef mixture to the pasta and sauce. Fold to combine the ingredients.
- Cool before serving.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
You can use any pasta you prefer in the recipe: linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even small shells. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes absorb liquid at varying rates. For a creamier texture, stick to 8 ounces of pasta; for a slightly looser sauce, 10 ounces works well.
This recipe is highly adaptable to different proteins. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground Italian sausage, or even pre-cooked sausage rounds. For a luxurious twist, consider adding cooked bacon bits or a medley of seafood like shrimp or scallops. For a meatless version, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables.
You can use any canned tomatoes you prefer, such as regular diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, for a slightly smoother sauce.
While heavy cream is recommended for the richest, thickest Alfredo sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. Be aware that these lighter alternatives will result in a thinner, potentially watery sauce, and may be more prone to separating if overheated.
If you prefer to cook your pasta separately according to package instructions, feel free to do so. In this case, prepare the sauce and beef mixture in the pot, then add the cooked and drained pasta at the very end, tossing to combine. You may need slightly less broth if the pasta isn’t absorbing liquid directly from the sauce.
The noodles and ground beef will naturally soak up a lot of the creamy sauce as the dish sits, resulting in a hearty, flavorful dish that isn’t overly saucy. If you prefer an extra saucy pasta, consider cooking an additional half-batch of Alfredo sauce on the side and adding it to your pasta as needed when serving or reheating.
While Parmesan cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other hard, grating cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. No matter what cheese you choose, I always recommend grating it yourself from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch or cellulose, which prevent clumping but also interfere with the cheese’s ability to melt smoothly and can affect the texture of your sauce. Freshly grated cheese, without these additives, melts into a wonderfully velvety and evenly distributed sauce, elevating your dish to a new level.
Nutrition
Serving:
1serving
Calories:
650kcal
Carbohydrates:
38g
Protein:
37g
Fat:
38g
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Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your specific recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Ground Beef Alfredo Variations and Substitutions
This One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Protein Swaps:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter alternative to ground beef, offering a similar texture with a milder flavor.
- Ground Sausage: Italian sausage (mild or spicy) can add a fantastic depth of flavor and a touch of fennel. Other ground sausages work well too.
- Sausage Rounds or Bacon: Crumbled cooked sausage or crispy bacon bits can be stirred in at the end for an extra layer of savory flavor and texture.
- Seafood: For a luxurious seafood twist, add cooked shrimp, scallops, or even crab meat during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through and absorb the sauce.
- Meatless Option: To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrient content and flavor by incorporating more vegetables. Some excellent choices include:
- Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake) pair wonderfully with creamy sauces and beef.
- Spinach or Kale: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for a healthy green boost.
- Tomatoes: Beyond fire-roasted, consider adding fresh diced tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and acidity. Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) offer an intense, concentrated flavor.
- Artichoke Hearts: Canned or marinated artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) provide a unique tangy taste that complements the rich sauce.
- Peas: Frozen peas can be added in the last few minutes of cooking for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Cheese Enhancements:
- Pecorino Romano: For a sharper, saltier kick, try using a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano.
- Mozzarella or Provolone: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra gooey, cheesy pull.
- Flavor Boosters:
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch or two added with the seasonings can provide a pleasant warmth and subtle heat.
- Capers: These briny little buds can add a delightful salty, tangy element to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, parsley, or chives for vibrant flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Nutmeg: A tiny grate of fresh nutmeg is a traditional secret ingredient in many Alfredo sauces, enhancing the creaminess and overall depth.
Expert Tips for Perfect One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
Achieving a restaurant-quality One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo is easier than you think, especially with these simple tips to guide you. Follow these pointers to ensure your dish is flavorful, creamy, and perfectly cooked every time:
- Season That Beef Generously: This is a foundational step for building flavor. Don’t just brown plain beef; infuse it with a liberal hand of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning right from the start. Since the beef forms the base of the dish, seasoning it early ensures every bite carries that delicious savory depth, rather than tasting bland. You can even add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder for extra oomph.
- Mind the Grease (But Don’t Over-Drain): If you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20), it will render a fair amount of grease. While it’s good to drain most of it to prevent an oily sauce, resist the urge to drain every last drop. A small amount of residual fat actually contributes to the richness of the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta. If your beef is very lean, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil before browning.
- Cook Pasta in Broth, Not Just Water: One of the secrets to a truly flavorful one-pot pasta is cooking the noodles directly in the sauce’s liquid. Using beef or chicken broth instead of plain water during the simmering stage is crucial. The pasta absorbs all those savory flavors as it cooks, resulting in deeply infused noodles that taste far superior to those boiled separately. This also helps to thicken the sauce naturally with the starches released from the pasta.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it’s important to monitor it closely. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Begin testing for doneness around the 10-minute mark. You want the pasta to be al dente – tender with a slight bite – not mushy. It will continue to absorb liquid slightly even after the heat is off.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Makes All the Difference: I cannot stress this enough. Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and prevent it from melting smoothly. Invest in a block of good quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh. It melts into a luxuriously smooth, silky sauce and provides a far superior flavor profile that tastes genuinely authentic.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the broth and cream, and again after adding the cheese, taste the sauce. Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed. The flavors will deepen as it cooks, so regular tasting ensures you hit that perfect balance.
- Let it Rest Briefly: Once the pasta is cooked and everything is combined, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat, covered. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to fully meld, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious meal.
What to Serve With Your Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo
This One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta Alfredo is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments that complement its rich and creamy profile:
- Crusty Garlic Bread or Warm Breadsticks: The ultimate pairing! The rich, creamy Alfredo sauce is practically begging to be soaked up with warm, buttery, garlic-infused bread. It’s perfect for scooping up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad: To cut through the richness of the pasta, a light and fresh green salad is ideal. Think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, or even just crisp romaine lettuce tossed with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy main course.
- Roasted Vegetables: Easily add more nutrition and flavor with a side of roasted vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper make for easy, hands-off sides that don’t steal the spotlight but perfectly round out the plate. Their slight char and tender-crisp texture offer a great contrast.
- Sautéed Spinach or Green Beans: For a quick and effortless veggie side, sautéed greens are a fantastic choice. Spinach or green beans quickly cooked on the stovetop with a little garlic and olive oil add a vibrant color and fresh taste. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens them up, ensuring your meal isn’t all creamy heaviness.

Choosing the Right Cookware for One-Pot Meals
The key to mastering this convenient one-pot meal lies in selecting the right cookware. You’ll want a vessel that’s large enough to comfortably accommodate browning the ground beef, sautéing vegetables, and then simmering all the pasta and sauce ingredients without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and optimal flavor development.
Ideal choices for this recipe include:
- Large, Deep Skillet: A skillet with high sides is perfect as it provides ample surface area for browning the meat while also being deep enough to contain the pasta and sauce as it simmers. A 12-inch skillet with at least 3-inch sides is a good starting point.
- Wide Saucepan: Similar to a deep skillet, a wide saucepan offers the necessary depth and width for a one-pot preparation.
- Dutch Oven: This is my personal favorite for one-pot pasta dishes. A Dutch oven (especially a cast iron enamel one) distributes heat incredibly evenly, retains heat beautifully, and its generous size and high sides are perfect for containing all ingredients. It also transitions seamlessly from stovetop to table. I used this pan from Amazon, and this Dutch oven would also work perfectly.
- Wide-Bottomed Pot: Any large pot with a wide base will work, as the wide base allows for better contact with the heat and more efficient browning of the beef, preventing steaming.
The main goal is to use a single piece of cookware that allows all components to cook together. If you prefer, however, you can certainly use separate pots to cook the pasta and beef, then combine them at the end. But for maximum convenience and minimal cleanup, a large, deep, single pot is the way to go!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Hamburger Alfredo
While this dish is often devoured in one sitting, knowing how to properly store and reheat any leftover Ground Beef Alfredo ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come. Leftovers actually develop even deeper flavors, making them a fantastic quick meal later.
To Store:
Allow the pasta dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly sealed, leftover Ground Beef Alfredo can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it’s tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors from your fridge.
To Freeze Alfredo
Yes, you can freeze this dish! For best results, allow the pasta to cool completely. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to a couple of months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost the dish in the refrigerator overnight. While the texture might slightly change after freezing and thawing, it will still be delicious.
To Reheat Alfredo
Reheating Alfredo sauce can be a little delicate, as it has a tendency to break, become clumpy, or dry out if not handled correctly. The key is gentle heat and adding moisture. Keep in mind that Alfredo sauce thickens significantly as it cools, and the pasta will absorb a lot of the sauce, so you’ll almost certainly need to add a splash more liquid to achieve the desired consistency when reheating.
Stovetop Method (Recommended): This is the best way to revive your Alfredo.
- Place the leftovers in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low to medium heat.
- Gradually add a small amount of heavy cream, milk, or even a bit of broth (start with 1-2 tablespoons per serving).
- Stir constantly and gently as the pasta warms through and the sauce loosens. Continue to stir until it’s smooth, creamy, and heated evenly. Do not let it come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Microwave Method (Use with Caution): While convenient, the microwave can easily overcook and dry out Alfredo.
- Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a tablespoon of cream or milk.
- Heat in short intervals, 15 to 30 seconds at a time, stirring well after each interval. This prevents localized overheating and drying. Continue until warm throughout. Avoid overheating, which will cause the dish to dry out and the sauce to break.
The beauty of the pasta and ground beef soaking up the sauce is that your leftovers will be bursting with flavor. If you desire an extra saucy dish, consider preparing an additional serving of Alfredo sauce on the side to add when reheating, as mentioned in the notes above. This ensures a rich, luscious experience every time.

Pair With These Delicious Recipes
Looking for more delicious ideas to complement your One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo, or simply expanding your recipe repertoire? Check out these fantastic recipes:
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

More Irresistible Pasta Recipes
If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’ll want to explore these other incredible pasta dishes that are perfect for any occasion:
Lemon Chicken Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
Slow Cooker Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Uncooked Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Southern Chicken Spaghetti
Spaghetti with Sausage
Scallops and Pasta

And for even more meal inspiration, don’t forget to check out our collection of 25 Delicious Recipes With Ground Beef.
This One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta Alfredo is truly a culinary gem that combines convenience with gourmet taste. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your family’s meal rotation!
