Rich, comforting, and irresistibly creamy, this Italian spaghetti and ground beef one-pot meal is your new go-to for weeknight dinners. With perfectly cooked spaghetti tangled in a silky, cheesy sauce and studded with savory ground beef and sweet pops of tomato, every bite is a satisfying balance of flavor and texture.

Not only is this dish mouthwateringly delicious, but it also scores major points for convenience. Everything comes together in a single pot—less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to relax. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe brings the taste of homey Italian comfort food without the fuss.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve the perfect creamy Italian spaghetti, having the right tools can make all the difference:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: The heart of this one-pot wonder. It should be deep enough to hold your pasta, sauce, and beef without boiling over.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
Tongs or Pasta Fork: Helps twirl and serve the pasta while keeping all those creamy layers intact.

Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precision is key, especially when adding cream and seasonings to balance the flavors.
Colander (optional): If you’re boiling the pasta separately, but in this one-pot version, it’s likely not needed—yay for fewer dishes!

Setting yourself up with the right tools ensures even cooking and a smooth, cohesive dish that feels effortless.

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

Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and heartiness to the dish. A lean version works best to avoid excess grease.
Spaghetti: The backbone of the recipe. It soaks up the sauce and ties all the ingredients together with each bite.
Heavy Cream: Essential for the creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel.

Beef Broth: Enhances the savory depth of flavor while helping to cook the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and thickens the sauce to a velvety consistency.
Cherry Tomatoes or Diced Tomatoes: Provide bursts of acidity and sweetness to cut through the richness.

Garlic & Onion: Build the base flavor and bring the classic Italian aroma alive.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the beef.
Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper: A balanced blend of herbs and spices that infuse every bite with classic Italian warmth.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in your deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Layer in the Flavor

Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to release flavors.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Spaghetti

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add dry spaghetti directly into the pot, breaking in half if necessary. Make sure pasta is mostly submerged.

Step 5: Simmer & Stir

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in the parmesan cheese. Let sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken further.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot!

How to Serve and Store Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal

Serve this creamy pasta hot and fresh, straight from the pot. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

When it comes to storing leftovers, this recipe holds up well. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

This meal also freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep an eye on cooking time and liquid ratio.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. Keep in mind the sauce might be slightly less rich.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But if you like a little kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it properly and reheat with a bit of added liquid.

How can I make this healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, swap cream with a lighter alternative, and load up on more veggies like spinach or zucchini.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes! Mozzarella or a touch of provolone adds extra gooeyness. Add them after cooking and let them melt in.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal, check out these other comforting pasta recipes from Life With Olivia:

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a cheesy, breaded twist.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce when you’re craving a white sauce option.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini that’s rich, garlicky, and family-approved.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for a bold, beefy flavor with heat.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole if you want baked pasta goodness.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And if you give it a try, leave a comment below! Did you add mushrooms or go full spicy with chili flakes? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Questions, tweaks, or tips? Drop them in the comments and let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4–6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Italian spaghetti and ground beef one pot meal is the ultimate comfort dish—perfectly cooked pasta simmered with ground beef, a velvety cream sauce, and bursts of tomato in every bite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just one pot for easy cleanup.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and soft.

2. Add ground beef to the skillet and brown, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Let cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Add the dry spaghetti, breaking in half if needed to fit. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.

7. Remove from heat and let the pasta sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

For an extra cheesy kick, stir in mozzarella or provolone just before serving.

You can add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to bulk it up with veggies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 590
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 18g

Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 44g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, one-pot meal