Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal

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Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food without the cleanup? This Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor—all cooked in just one pot. No need to juggle multiple pans or prep a fancy sauce. Just simple, satisfying ingredients coming together in under 30 minutes.

What makes this recipe stand out is how it balances rich, cheesy goodness with the savory depth of Italian herbs and ground beef. The spaghetti soaks up every bit of the creamy tomato sauce, making every forkful pure magic. This is one of those meals the whole family will ask for again and again.

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What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Traditional spaghetti works beautifully here, but you can also use angel hair for a quicker cook time or even whole wheat pasta for a bit of extra fiber. The key is to cook it directly in the sauce so it absorbs all the incredible flavor.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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How To Make the Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked spaghetti, gently pressing it down into the liquid. Simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot right from the pot.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Delight

Serve this dish hot and fresh with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. It makes a generous four servings and is best enjoyed the day it’s made for maximum creaminess.

If you do have leftovers, let them cool before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage would work well.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap out regular cheese for low-fat versions. Whole wheat pasta also adds more fiber.

Can I use pre-cooked spaghetti?

This recipe is designed for raw pasta to cook in the sauce. If using pre-cooked, reduce the broth and adjust the cook time.

Can I freeze this dish?

Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but if you skip the cream and add it fresh when reheating, you can freeze the beef-tomato base.

What veggies can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions and can be sautéed with the onions.

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Want More One-Pot Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy one-pot meal made your weeknight easier, you’ll love these other comforting recipes:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich, sun-dried tomato twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving creamy meets crispy.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you want dinner ready at the end of the day.
• Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta if you’re in the mood for baked pasta perfection.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another quick-fix, flavor-loaded dinner.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it anytime.

And let me know how yours turned out! Did you make it extra cheesy or sneak in some veggies? I love seeing your versions.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments—we’re all here to make dinner easier and tastier together.

More easy meals and daily ideas are waiting over on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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