If you’re in the mood for comfort food that’s big on flavors yet easy to pull together on a busy evening, you’re going to love Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef. This rich and delightful pasta is a clever twist on classic spaghetti, marrying robust tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory ground beef, all hugged by a luxurious, velvety cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this one-pot wonder transforms humble ingredients into a meal that feels like an Italian restaurant experience—right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef is that all the ingredients are familiar, everyday staples, but each plays a starring role in creating the deep flavors and creamy textures that make this dish so irresistible. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and how each component elevates the final plate.
- Spaghetti: The heart of the dish—choose your favorite brand for perfectly tender, slurpable noodles that soak up all the creaminess.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for deeper flavor right from the start.
- Ground beef: Brings savory depth and a satisfying, meaty bite—go lean if you like, or swap for turkey or sausage for a fun twist.
- Onion: Delivers natural sweetness and a subtle aromatic base when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic: Essential for its fragrant kick—three cloves are just right for maximum flavor without overwhelming the sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Provides that bold, classic Italian tomato foundation, perfectly balancing acidity and sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes: Add texture and juicy pops of tomato that break up the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with aromatic herbs for that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Dried basil: Lends a sweet, herbal note that brightens the entire sauce.
- Salt: Key for making every ingredient sing with flavor—taste and adjust as you go.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a subtle kick, a sprinkle amps up the warmth.
- Heavy cream: This is what transforms the sauce into dreamy silkiness, making every bite extra luscious.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty, cheesy depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the finished pasta for irresistible stretch and gooeyness.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle on top adds color and a hit of fresh flavor right at the end.
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. Drop in your spaghetti and give it a gentle stir to keep it from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions until just al dente—you want the noodles to have a slight bite, as they’ll finish in the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into bite-sized crumbles. Wait until it’s nice and browned—this is where the deep, savory flavor builds. If your beef has excess fat, go ahead and drain it at this stage for a lighter finished sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them cook alongside the beef for 2 to 3 minutes. As the onion becomes translucent and the garlic aromatic, they’ll infuse the entire skillet with that classic Italian fragrance that makes everyone wander into the kitchen to see what’s cooking.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Base
Now it’s time to transform those simple ingredients into a saucy masterpiece. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re after a bit of heat. Stir it all together and let it simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes, giving the sauce time to thicken and all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the sauce turns pillowy and smooth—this is the moment where Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef gets its signature silky character. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Step 6: Combine and Melt
Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet, tossing until every last noodle is coated in that creamy tomato-beef sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes so the mozzarella gets melty and gooey, then prepare for everyone to dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only makes Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef look restaurant-fancy, but it also adds a zippy, refreshing layer of flavor. You can also top each serving with a few shavings of extra Parmesan or a light dash of cracked black pepper for a little extra oomph.
Side Dishes
This dish is great with classic garlic bread—perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce. A simple green salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette introduces a fresh, crunchy balance. You can also go with roasted or steamed broccoli for a wholesome, colorful addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by twirling the spaghetti into neat “nests” on each plate, then topping with an extra pinch of mozzarella and a flourish of parsley. For family-style serving, use a big, wide dish and let everyone dig in. Don’t be afraid to offer extra hot pepper flakes or freshly grated cheese at the table for even more personalized flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen a little overnight. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb a bit more of the sauce as it sits, making each reheated bite just as comforting.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze in individual or family-sized portions so you can thaw only what you need without any waste.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce needs loosening up, and stir until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. The creamy sauce will coat any shape beautifully.
How can I make this dish a bit lighter?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to cut down on calories while still keeping a lovely creamy texture. You could also use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef.
What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the ground beef and add chopped mushrooms or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute. The sauce has so much flavor that you won’t miss the meat!
Can I make Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and finish with mozzarella and parsley.
What can I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
Just add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning as you go.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a foolproof crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try and I guarantee it will become one of your most requested dinners!
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Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef. This hearty pasta dish features tender spaghetti coated in a luscious tomato cream sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 ounces spaghetti,
Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 1 small onion finely diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil, brown ground beef, add onion and garlic, then stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Toss in cooked spaghetti, top with mozzarella, cover, and melt cheese for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
