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
Scale
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.
