Ground Beef Alfredo Bake | Creamy Pasta Casserole Recipe

Ground Beef Alfredo Bake

When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, few dishes satisfy quite like a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. Our Ground Beef Alfredo Bake takes classic Alfredo to new heights by incorporating savory ground beef, creating a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s both filling and delicious. This dish represents the perfect marriage of Italian-American flavors with the satisfying heartiness that meat lovers crave.

At DailyMeatRecipe.com, we understand that busy weeknights call for recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake does exactly that, combining simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The rich, creamy sauce envelops every bite of pasta and beef, while a golden, bubbly cheese topping provides the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this versatile casserole is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Alfredo Bake

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Penne pasta	16 oz (1 pound)	Can substitute with fettuccine, rotini, or farfalle
Ground beef	1 pound	Lean ground beef (85/15) recommended
Yellow onion	1 medium	Finely diced
Garlic cloves	3-4	Minced
Butter	6 tablespoons	Unsalted preferred
All-purpose flour	3 tablespoons	For thickening the sauce
Heavy cream	2 cups	Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version
Whole milk	1 cup	2% milk works in a pinch
Parmesan cheese	1½ cups	Freshly grated, divided (1 cup for sauce, ½ cup for topping)
Mozzarella cheese	1 cup	Shredded
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon	Store-bought blend or make your own
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon	Adds depth to the sauce
Onion powder	½ teaspoon	Enhances savory notes
Nutmeg	¼ teaspoon	Just a pinch for authentic Alfredo flavor
Salt	1 teaspoon	Or to taste
Black pepper	½ teaspoon	Freshly ground
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for garnish
Red pepper flakes	To taste	Optional, for heat

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (Recipe makes 8 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	475
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	4g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	520mg
Calcium	280mg
Iron	3mg

Preparation Instructions for Ground Beef Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, but undercook by about 2 minutes (it will continue cooking in the oven).
3. Drain the pasta, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the diced onion to the beef and continue cooking until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Season the beef mixture with half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef mixture to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet (after removing excess grease), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
6. Add the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to ensure everything is well coated.
2. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer.
4. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the reserved ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a deeper golden color on the cheese (watch carefully to prevent burning).
4. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Turn your Ground Beef Alfredo Bake into a complete meal with these complementary sides:

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks make perfect companions for soaking up extra sauce.
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add nutrition and color to the plate.
• A glass of medium-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors.
• For a lighter option, serve smaller portions of the casserole alongside a substantial vegetable soup.

This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake is ideal for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with hearty ground beef makes for a satisfying meal that appeals to diners of all ages. For an elegant presentation, sprinkle additional fresh herbs over individual servings and consider serving in warmed plates to maintain the perfect temperature.

Pro Tips

Elevate your Ground Beef Alfredo Bake with these expert tips from DailyMeatRecipe.com:

• Pasta Selection: Choose pasta shapes with ridges or cavities that can trap the creamy sauce and bits of meat. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent choices.
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged varieties. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water rather than milk to maintain the rich flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow extra baking time if cooking from cold.
• Meat Variation: For a more complex flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage instead of just beef.
• Resting Period: Allow the finished casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes for neater portions.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Variations of Ground Beef Alfredo Bake

Customize this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand:

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Incorporate 2 cups of vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or peas into the mixture before baking. This adds color, nutrition, and flavor while stretching the meal further.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces for a different protein option that works wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Bacon Lover’s Alfredo

Add 8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture and sprinkle additional bacon on top before baking for a smoky, indulgent twist on the classic recipe.

Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning into the ground beef while cooking and add a diced bell pepper for a zesty, Southern-inspired variation with a pleasant kick.

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (same amount) to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream if the pasta seems dry after refrigeration.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra time as needed. For freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use equal parts of half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and melted butter (¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter for each cup of heavy cream). The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories and fat, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, use reduced-fat cheeses, and increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake from DailyMeatRecipe.com represents comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich homemade Alfredo sauce creates a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for busy weeks. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature – even picky eaters tend to love this cheesy pasta bake!

We’d love to hear how your Ground Beef Alfredo Bake turned out! Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to share your experience, photos, or any creative variations you tried. While you’re there, be sure to explore our extensive collection of meat-based recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion centerpieces. Our website is regularly updated with new, delicious recipes designed to make your time in the kitchen both enjoyable and rewarding.

Remember, a great meal brings people together, and this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake is the perfect excuse to gather around the table with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe proves that spectacular flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Try it today and discover why our readers keep coming back to DailyMeatRecipe.com for reliable, delicious meat recipes!