If you are craving a cozy, cheesy, and hearty meal that brings comfort to any night of the week, this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and golden melted cheese, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. It takes just a handful of simple ingredients to create something so special, and once it’s out of the oven, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the al dente pasta to the silky Alfredo sauce and the rich, savory beef, these essentials are wonderfully straightforward yet truly transformative.
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta: Ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce and beef mixture with every bite.
- 16 ounces lean ground beef: Adds hearty richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that deepens the dish’s aroma and taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that excites the palate without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The foundation for seasoning that highlights all the other tastes.
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce: Creamy and luscious, it’s the heart of the dish that ties everything together.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts perfectly to create that irresistibly gooey layer.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish on top for extra flavor depth.
How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven. This helps the cheese melt beautifully and can later give a lovely golden finish once you broil the bake.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook it for one minute less than the package states to achieve the perfect al dente texture. This ensures the pasta won’t turn mushy during baking.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, place the ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for around 8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon until it’s well browned. If there’s excess fat pooling, go ahead and drain it to keep the dish from being greasy.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, optional crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let these cook for about 1 minute so the flavors gently bloom and mingle with the beef.
Step 5: Incorporate Alfredo and Cheese
Turn the heat to medium and pour in the Alfredo sauce along with half of your shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is combined and the cheese begins to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy base for the bake.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with the Sauce
Drain the pasta and transfer it directly to the skillet while it’s still hot. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of penne is coated in the cheesy, beefy sauce. Then, spread the mixture evenly across the skillet or baking dish.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Sprinkle your freshly grated parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the dish to heat through and become bubbly. If you want an extra golden crust, pop the bake under the broiler for a few minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
How to Serve Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, creamy layers of this bake. You might also like a dash of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes to keep the flavors lively and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve this ground beef Alfredo bake alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans also pair beautifully, adding color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake family-style in the skillet it was cooked in, encouraging everyone to dig right in. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, perfect for sharing this comforting meal with guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day meals full of flavor.
Freezing
This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer the cool bake into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Rewarm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly again, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems overly thick. This keeps the creamy sauce smooth and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly here due to its sauce-holding shape, rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli would also pair wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and savory beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, diced eggplant, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just sauté your choice with the garlic and seasonings before mixing with the Alfredo sauce and pasta.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free Alfredo sauce alternatives and dairy-free shredded cheese, you can enjoy a similar comforting dish without dairy. The flavors will be a bit different but still satisfying.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem. Cook the beef and sauce in a regular skillet and transfer everything to a baking dish before topping with cheese and baking. Just make sure the dish has enough room to spread everything evenly.
How do I add more veggies to this bake?
Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers along with the pasta or when cooking the beef. They add great freshness and nutrition without compromising the indulgence of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe is a fantastic way to bring warmth, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavors to your dinner table with minimum fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply craving a rich, satisfying meal, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight classic!
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Ground Beef Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender penne pasta with savory ground beef, rich Alfredo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a simple, baked dish perfect for a family dinner, featuring a creamy texture and a golden cheesy top.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Meat & Seasonings
- 16 ounces lean ground beef
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauces & Cheese
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third for optimal baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for one minute less than the package instructions to achieve al dente texture, then drain.
- Brown Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, place the ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook for about 8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Seasonings: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the Alfredo sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well to combine.
- Combine Pasta: Immediately add the drained penne pasta to the skillet while everything is hot. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce and beef evenly, then spread the mixture out in an even layer.
- Bake and Broil: Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan and the remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until hot and bubbly. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese topping.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies the cooking process by eliminating the need to transfer the mixture before baking.
- Be sure to not overcook the pasta in boiling water as it will finish cooking in the oven, helping prevent a mushy texture.
- Broiling at the end gives a lovely golden-brown and bubbly cheese crust; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
