If you have been searching for a heartwarming, rich, and utterly delicious pasta dish to become your new favorite weeknight dinner, look no further than this Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe. It combines tender spaghetti noodles with a luscious, cheesy sauce made from a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and heavy cream, all tossed together with savory ground beef cooked in a perfectly seasoned tomato base. This dish is a celebration of all the comforting flavors of Italy, balanced by creamy textures that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers that irresistible combination of hearty and silky that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward staples you probably have on hand, yet each plays a vital role in delivering the Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe’s authentic and irresistible flavor. From the aromatic garlic and herbs to the creamy cheeses and perfectly seasoned ground beef, they come together beautifully to form a dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it infuses a subtle fruity depth and helps brown the beef perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a tender bite to the sauce for balanced savoriness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an essential aromatic punch that makes the entire dish sing.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates a luscious, rich tomato base full of natural sweetness and acidity.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for that classic spaghetti feel.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Provides a warm, herbal note signature to Italian cuisine.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a slightly bitter balance to the sweet tomatoes.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat for those who love a little kick in their pasta.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and creamy texture to the sauce to elevate it beyond ordinary spaghetti.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the cheesy flavor profile.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that absorbs sauce beautifully and provides the perfect bite.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the creamy sauce, it melts smoothly for luscious, velvety consistency.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Used in the creamy sauce for extra decadence and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the cream sauce slightly while keeping it rich and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, stretchy cheese goodness loved in Italian cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start with a large pot of salted water to cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a little bite to it. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy after mixing with the sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside, ready to soak up all that creamy goodness later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Browning the beef well adds flavor and texture that are crucial for a rich, hearty dish. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add finely chopped onions to the browned beef, allowing them to soften and become sweet for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—which happens quickly—to avoid any bitterness. This combination builds a deeply flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Now pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste along with dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes so all the flavors meld into a cohesive, robust sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is silky smooth. This creamy sauce will give the dish its signature rich texture and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 6: Add the Mozzarella
Stir in grated mozzarella cheese to the creamy mixture, allowing it to melt thoroughly. This step ensures the sauce will be stretchy and gooey, providing that luxurious cheesy pull that everyone loves in a creamy pasta.
Step 7: Combine the Sauces and Pasta
Pour the creamy cheese sauce into the skillet with your meat and tomato sauce. Stir the two sauces together until perfectly blended. Then gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, making sure every strand is coated in the rich, creamy ground beef sauce. Toss in the Parmesan cheese at the end to add that final burst of flavor.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Plate your creamy Italian ground beef spaghetti immediately for the best experience. The sauce is most luscious and inviting when served hot, with freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top for a fresh, eye-catching finish.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is an ideal garnish that not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top enhances the salty, nutty flavors, making every bite even more satisfying.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy flavorful spaghetti alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil to add a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making the meal even more comforting and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the creamy Italian ground beef spaghetti in a casserole dish topped with extra mozzarella and Parmesan until golden and bubbly. You can also serve it in individual pasta bowls with a sprig of fresh basil or even add roasted vegetables on top for color and texture variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce holds up well, and flavors often meld even more deliciously overnight.
Freezing
This Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore that creamy consistency. Stir frequently and avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating and the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative, though it won’t have quite the same richness. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or a touch more olive oil to keep the sauce flavorful and moist.
Is this recipe spicy?
The addition of red pepper flakes in this Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe is optional, so you can control how much heat you want. If you enjoy a mild kick, add them; if not, simply skip them for a gentle, comforting flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or plant-based cream alternatives, and use a plant-based cheese substitute. For a vegan option, replace ground beef with plant-based meat and double-check all your ingredients for vegan certification.
What kind of pasta works best?
While spaghetti is classic and works wonderfully absorbing the sauce, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, which hold sauce well and add variety to your meal.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and tomato sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, make the creamy sauce fresh and combine everything just before tossing with the pasta to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like it was made just for you. It’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor that never get old. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers warmth and deliciousness in every forkful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to Italian classic!
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 deliciously rich and comforting pasta dish combining savory ground beef in a flavorful tomato sauce with a luscious creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe features tender spaghetti tossed in a blend of crushed tomatoes, herbs, and a velvety mix of cream cheese, heavy cream, and mozzarella. Finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s an irresistible Italian-inspired meal ready in just 35 minutes.
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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 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 from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Creamy 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 becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Mozzarella to Cream Sauce: Stir the grated mozzarella cheese into the creamy sauce until it melts and blends evenly.
- Combine Sauces and Pasta: Pour the creamy sauce into the skillet with the meat and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine. Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, tossing to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy beef sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until incorporated.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Italian spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use whole milk or 2% milk if you prefer a lighter creamy sauce.
- Can be prepared a day ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be used in place of dried for a fresher flavor.
- Gluten-free spaghetti can be substituted to make this recipe gluten-free.
