If you’re craving a pasta dish that brings together the heartiness of a classic meat sauce with the indulgent silkiness of a creamy finish, this Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy ground beef mingles with aromatic onions, garlic, and herbs, all swirled into a lush, tomato-based sauce made irresistibly rich with heavy cream and parmesan. Every forkful is a celebration of comfort and bold Italian-American flavors, perfect for busy evenings or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish has a starring role, from the pasta that holds the sauce so beautifully to the punchy seasonings and creamy, cheesy finish. Nothing fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, each one adding its own magic to the Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Classic, long pasta strands that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides savory richness and makes the dish hearty enough for a main course.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps everything sauté beautifully.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and a subtle bite to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the entire dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives the sauce its signature Italian flair.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For just a hint of heat—add more or less to suit your taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the sauce and pasta.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and rounds out the seasoning.
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): The savory, tangy base of your sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty, and the perfect finishing touch for creaminess and flavor.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente—tender but with just the right amount of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s no longer pink and has developed some lovely caramelized bits. If needed, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Season
To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute, just until the garlic releases its glorious aroma and the spices bloom.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This is where the transformation to Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef truly begins!
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce turns beautifully creamy and coats the beef in a silky embrace. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and perfectly blended.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Add your cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until each strand is luxuriously coated. Serve the Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a final burst of freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of grated parmesan and a handful of chopped basil or parsley can make your Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef look as mouthwatering as it tastes. For a little extra flair, add a twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish plays well with classic Italian sides. Think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a warm basket of garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers are also wonderful companions that add color and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef family-style in a big, beautiful bowl at the center of your table. Or, plate individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, twirling the spaghetti into a neat nest and topping with a flourish of herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef left (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a delicious grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for a future craving? This dish freezes surprisingly well! Place completely cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating. The creaminess comes right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—whatever you have on hand will taste great with this creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still satisfyingly creamy.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem. You can mix your own with a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary for that signature Italian flavor boost.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat. If you prefer things milder, simply reduce or omit them; if you love a kick, feel free to add a bit more!
Can I make Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta, warm the sauce, and combine for a quick, delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a pasta dish that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy, look no further than Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef. It’s quick, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to pasta!
Print
Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Italian spaghetti with ground beef is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich tomato and cream sauce with savory ground beef, seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and thoroughly heated.
- Toss Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Italian spaghetti and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spiciness level, or omit for no heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
