Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Okay, picture this: a big bowl of creamy Italian spaghetti, each bite rich and velvety, with a savory ground beef sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor. The kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The sauce is creamy, indulgent, and comforting, with just the right balance of garlic, herbs, and a little kick of heat from red pepper flakes. Trust me, this isn’t just your average spaghetti—this one’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Here’s why this dish is going to become a fast favorite:

Rich & Creamy: The sauce is the star here, made with a creamy blend of cheese, cream, and perfectly seasoned beef. Every bite is indulgent without being overly heavy.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this dish—just pantry staples, fresh beef, and a little creativity.
Family-Friendly: This is the kind of meal everyone will love. Kids? Check. Adults? Check. It’s got that universal appeal that makes it the perfect weeknight dinner or casual get-together dish.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pan, so you can focus on making great food without worrying about a mountain of dishes later. Less clean-up? Yes, please!

Ingredients in Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, meaty masterpiece:

For the Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti – Classic, long strands of pasta are the perfect base. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but spaghetti gives that lovely chewy texture that works so well with the creamy sauce.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning the pasta water.
• Olive oil – For cooking the ground beef and adding a little richness.

For the Sauce:

• Ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and richness without too much grease.
• Onion – Sweet onions work best, adding a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must here—it infuses the sauce with that aromatic, savory flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes – For a bit of tanginess and acidity to balance the creaminess.
• Heavy cream – This makes the sauce luxurious and smooth.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan brings that salty, nutty bite to the sauce.
• Italian seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—this is the flavor backbone of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes – For a subtle kick, just to add a little warmth to the sauce (optional but highly recommended).
• Salt & pepper – To taste, for seasoning the sauce and balancing the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig in? Here’s how to make this creamy, comforting dish:

Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to help thin out the sauce later if needed. Set aside.

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Remove any excess grease if needed.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Combine with the Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and get that perfect creamy consistency.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce, serve it up hot with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and maybe a little fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef

This creamy spaghetti is perfect all on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a warm, crispy slice of garlic bread alongside a creamy pasta dish like this. It’s the perfect way to scoop up any leftover sauce!
Fresh Salad: A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta, making it a balanced meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with roasted broccoli or a medley of seasonal veggies for a colorful and nutrient-packed side.
Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, like a medium-bodied Merlot or Sangiovese, would pair wonderfully with the hearty flavors of this dish.

Additional Tips

Customize Your Protein: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer.
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a bigger kick.
Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, use plant-based ground beef and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a day ahead. Just keep them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, toss them together in a skillet and warm through.

Q2: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A2: Absolutely! Gluten-free spaghetti works just as well in this recipe—just make sure to cook it al dente since gluten-free pasta tends to soften more quickly.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A3: Yes! You can add in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor. Sauté them with the onions for the best results.

Q4: How do I make the sauce even creamier?
A4: For an even richer sauce, you can add a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone along with the heavy cream. It’ll make the sauce extra silky!

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this pasta freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stove.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re sitting at an Italian trattoria, enjoying a warm, comforting meal. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying, with just the right amount of richness from the beef and the cream. It’s the perfect dish to make when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Go ahead, treat yourself to a big bowl—you won’t regret it!

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