If you’re in the mood for comfort food that’s luxuriously creamy, unquestionably hearty, and deliciously Italian all at once, you absolutely have to try Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef. This recipe brings together tender spaghetti, rich marinara, savory ground beef, and a swirl of cream for a pasta dish that feels both elegant and homey. One bite, and you’ll see why this is a weeknight favorite in countless kitchens—it’s truly everything you want in an Italian dinner, all in one bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef is in its use of simple, familiar ingredients that each play a vital role in every forkful. You’ll find that every item adds something unique—whether it’s a fresh burst, a mellow richness, or a pop of color.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Classic pasta shape that’s perfect for catching creamy sauce in every strand.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the beef and onions, infusing richness and a touch of Mediterranean aroma.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and turns this pasta into a satisfying main course.
- Yellow Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Lends sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down with the beef.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Essential for irresistible aroma and a true Italian backbone.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Balances herbs like basil and oregano for that distinctly Italian flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a gentle kick of heat—add more or less to taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the natural flavors in the sauce, pasta, and beef.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth to complement the creamy sauce.
- Marinara Sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): Brings acidity, sweetness, and tomato-rich depth to the dish.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Transforms the sauce into something impossibly silky and lush.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for a savory, nutty finish.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (1/4 cup + more for garnish): Adds color and a burst of green freshness to brighten the final dish.
How to Make Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in your spaghetti and cook according to the package until perfectly al dente. Remember to taste a strand—there should be just a slight chew in the center. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta bubbles away, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want the meat to brown and caramelize a bit—this is key for building that crave-worthy flavor base in Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once your beef is nicely browned, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until your kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering and the onions are soft and translucent.
Step 4: Season Everything
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), salt, and black pepper right into the skillet. Stir well to let those spices mingle with the beef and onions—these seasonings make every bite taste like pure, classic Italy.
Step 5: Add Marinara and Simmer
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir until everything is beautifully coated. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes; this is when all those flavors really come together.
Step 6: Make it Creamy
Now comes the moment that sets Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef apart—stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese! Watch as the sauce transforms into a velvety, creamy hug for your pasta. Stir until the mixture is well blended and luscious.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Add your cooked spaghetti right into the skillet. Toss everything together until those glossy noodles are enveloped in that dreamy, creamy sauce. Sprinkle in chopped parsley for a fresh, verdant finish—then you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle each bowl with a little more fresh parsley and a generous shower of grated Parmesan. A twist of black pepper over the top can add a subtle punch, and if you love a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty pasta loves good company! A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette lifts the flavors, while warm garlic bread is perfect for swiping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a classic Caprese salad are always welcome alongside Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef, balancing out all that creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can plate your Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef in individual bowls with swirling tongs for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Or, nestle it onto a big family-style platter with basil leaves and extra Parmesan for a festive feel. For something fun, twist small servings onto appetizer spoons or in little ramekins for a party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even further, making for fabulous next-day lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
Want to save it for another time? Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months. Consider freezing individual portions for quick meals later—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive that lovely sauce. If you’re short on time, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through and just as creamy as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef, feel free to swap in linguine, penne, or even rigatoni. Each shape brings its own character, but all will absorb that luscious sauce perfectly.
How do I make it spicier?
If you love heat, don’t hesitate to increase the crushed red pepper flakes or even stir in a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go so you find the perfect amount of kick for your crowd.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work beautifully in this recipe. Each substitution will bring its own unique flavor twist to Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef—so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. Stirring in a spoonful of Greek yogurt after removing from heat can also boost creaminess without extra fat.
Can this dish be made in advance?
Certainly! Prepare the sauce ahead of time (through the simmer step), then simply cook the spaghetti and combine everything right before serving. This makes Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef a wonderful option for easy entertaining or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly inviting about a big bowl of Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef, whether it’s for a cozy night at home or sharing with people you love. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of magic, you can create a pasta dish that’s creamy, savory, and absolutely satisfying. Give it a try—you just might find your next go-to dinner!
Print
Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Italian Spaghetti with Ground Beef. This easy-to-make pasta dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 ounces spaghetti;
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce;
Creamy Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onion, garlic, seasoning, pepper, and salt. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the beef mixture. Toss in cooked spaghetti and parsley.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes before adding the cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
