If you love a rich, comforting pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe. It combines tender spaghetti noodles with a luscious, savory sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and not one but two creamy cheeses. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent, bringing together classic Italian flavors with an irresistible creaminess that transforms everyday spaghetti into a meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but absolutely essential for building layers of incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a role in delivering the rich, creamy, and aromatic profile that makes this dish so memorable.
- Ground beef: The foundation of the sauce, adding hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- Olive oil: Helps to sauté the beef and onions while adding subtle fruitiness and richness.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth once softened in the skillet.
- Garlic: Minced and added for a punch of fragrant, classic Italian aroma.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of the tomato sauce, bringing acidity and vibrant color.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a luscious thickness.
- Dried basil: Brings a sweet, herbal note that harmonizes with the tomatoes.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter touch that rounds out the flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.
- Heavy cream: Introduces the luxurious creaminess to meld the sauce perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it finishes the dish with a salty, tangy kick.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that carries the sauce beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Softened and melted for extra smoothness and tang in the creamy sauce.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce just enough while keeping it silky.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the sauce, adding gooey, melty richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every bite.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green pop of color and brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Cooking it just right ensures it has that perfect bite to stand up to the rich sauce coming its way. Drain and set aside so it’s ready to toss in the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Browning the beef well is key to unlocking its deep, savory flavors. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent and soft. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds more until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. This step layers sweetness and savoriness into your sauce that you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 4: Create the Tomato Base
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and if you like a little zing, red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce gently simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This mellow cooking time lets all those herbs and tomatoes blend beautifully into a rich, cohesive sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the tomato sauce simmers, take a small saucepan and combine cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk over low heat. Stir occasionally until everything melts and comes together into a silky, smooth sauce. This creamy base will elevate the dish, balancing the acidity and adding that luscious texture you’re craving.
Step 6: Melt in the Mozzarella
Once the creamy sauce is smooth, stir in the grated mozzarella cheese until it fully melts and blends in. This step creates a gooey, stretchy component that makes your sauce irresistible and comforting in every forkful.
Step 7: Combine Sauces and Pasta
Pour the creamy mozzarella sauce right into the skillet with the savory meat and tomato sauce. Mix everything together until perfectly combined. Then gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, tossing until every strand is coated in that creamy, flavorful beef sauce. Finish off by stirring in the Parmesan cheese for that bright, savory finish.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve your creamy Italian ground beef spaghetti hot, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese if you want to take it over the top. The garnishes add color and texture that make this dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my top choice to brighten this rich dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also add extra Parmesan cheese for a salty crunch or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to kick things up a notch. The right garnish makes this pasta feel extra special every time.
Side Dishes
This creamy spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad featuring a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, turning your meal into a cozy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try twirling the spaghetti into neat little nests on each plate for a restaurant-style look. Serving it family-style in a large, rustic bowl garnished with fresh herbs invites everyone to dig in together, making the meal all the more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making next-day lunches or dinners even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to squeeze out extra air. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your spaghetti gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, so it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this creamy beef sauce also pairs beautifully with fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. Choose your favorite shape to suit your mood or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat, and follow the rest of the recipe as is for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can by swapping out the heavy cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella for dairy-free versions or coconut cream. The sauce will be a bit different but still creamy and delicious with some tasty adjustments.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes are optional and added sparingly, so the heat is mild and easy to adjust to your taste. You can leave them out entirely if you prefer no spice or add extra if you like it hotter. It’s all about customizing your creamy Italian ground beef spaghetti recipe.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella works perfectly here. Parmesan adds sharpness and depth, while mozzarella provides that melty, gooey texture that makes the sauce so dreamy.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a name, this Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe would be it. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and hits all the right notes between creamy, savory, and a little bit tangy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!
Print
Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich tomato and beef sauce blended perfectly with a creamy cheese sauce. The combination of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a smooth cheese blend makes it a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to use later.
- Brown the ground beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the tomato sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Prepare the creamy cheese sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Melt mozzarella: Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the grated mozzarella cheese until it melts and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine sauces and pasta: Pour the creamy cheese sauce into the skillet with the meat tomato sauce and mix thoroughly. Then gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat each strand evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy Italian spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili peppers.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti if you need a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding fresh basil instead of dried herbs can enhance freshness if preferred.
