Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Skillet: An Easy All-in-One Dinner

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering what on earth you can throw together that everyone will actually eat? That’s exactly why this Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Skillet was born. It’s the ultimate one-pan solution for those busy nights. Imagine your favorite, rich, and creamy Alfredo sauce, but we’re making it right in the skillet with the pasta and hearty ground beef. No boiling noodles in a separate pot, no fancy sauces to whisk. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, from stovetop to table. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl, combining the best of Italian-inspired flavor with pure, simple weeknight logic.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Alfredo

First off, it’s a one-pan wonder. I’m a huge fan of recipes that don’t leave me with a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. This one delivers on that promise. You’ll also love how forgiving it is. Didn’t quite brown the beef all the way before adding the liquid? It’s okay, it’ll keep cooking. Want to toss in some extra veggies you need to use up? Go for it! The sauce is so, so creamy without needing a roux or heavy cream—thanks to a little kitchen magic with cream cheese and Parmesan. But the real reason? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From picky kids to hungry spouses, this dish has a way of making everyone happy. A true winner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base of our skillet.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing our aromatics to perfection.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory foundation.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential, fragrant punch of flavor.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid that cooks our pasta and creates the sauce base.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed: The secret to a luxuriously creamy, thick Alfredo.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that classic, salty, nutty Alfredo flavor.
• 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite short shape): The perfect vehicle to hold all that saucy goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs that brings it all together.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning every layer.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step by Step Method

1. Brown the beef. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the olive oil, then the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine and simmer. Stir the beef and aromatics together. Add the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, milk, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
4. Cook the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Create the Alfredo sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan until they’ve completely melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. So good.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of its charm. A large, deep skillet (at least 12 inches) with a lid is essential. If you don’t have a skillet that big, a Dutch oven works perfectly. You’ll also need a trusty wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, a measuring cup, and a box grater if you’re grating your own Parmesan cheese (which I highly recommend for the best flavor and meltability!).

Creative Variations

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own ideas! Try one of these twists next time:

• Veggie Power: Stir in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Creamy Mushroom: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, savory upgrade.
• Italian Sausage Twist: Swap the ground beef for mild or hot Italian turkey sausage (casings removed) for a different flavor profile.
• Lighter Version: Use ground turkey, low-fat cream cheese, and 2% milk. It’ll still be deliciously creamy.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a little heat.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Grate your own Parmesan. Honestly, the pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as smoothly because of anti-caking agents. A quick grate of a block of Parmesan makes a world of difference in your sauce.
• Don’t rush the browning. Getting a nice, deep color on your ground beef adds tons of flavor to the whole dish.
• Keep an eye on the liquid. Different pasta shapes and stovetops can vary. If the liquid is absorbing too fast and the pasta isn’t tender, just add a little more broth or water, a quarter cup at a time.
• Let it rest. Once you’ve stirred in the cheeses, take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken up beautifully.
• Taste and season! Before serving, always taste your dish. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? This simple step elevates any meal from good to great.

Storage Tips

Leftovers store wonderfully! Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, the microwave is easy—just splash in a tablespoon of milk to loosen the sauce and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For the stovetop, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, again adding a tiny bit of milk or broth to bring the creamy sauce back to life. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the dairy-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Skillet is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple side can really round it out. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette is my go-to—it cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly. A side of garlic bread is never a bad idea for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a veggie side, some quick steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work beautifully. It’s the ultimate solution for those easy weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying fast.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like rotini, farfalle, or shells works great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary slightly from penne.
• How can I make this dish healthier? For healthy dinner ideas, you can easily use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and low-fat dairy options. Loading it up with spinach or other veggies is a great way to add nutrients, too.
• My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it sit off the heat for a few minutes—it will thicken as it cools slightly. If it’s still too thin, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in, then simmer for a minute until thickened.
• Is this one of those cheap dinners for a family? You bet! Ground beef and pasta are budget-friendly staples, and this recipe makes a generous amount that can easily feed a family of four with maybe even leftovers for lunch the next day.

And there you have it! A foolproof, delicious, and incredibly satisfying Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Skillet that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.