If you’re craving a rich, hearty, and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, this Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One-Pot Meal is your new go-to recipe. It’s loaded with robust Italian herbs, tender ground beef, and a lusciously creamy sauce—all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This is comfort food at its finest, with all the warmth of homemade goodness and none of the hassle.
Let’s walk through how to make this satisfying meal, step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this creamy one-pot spaghetti dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces spaghetti (break in half for easier cooking)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How to Make Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller crumbles. Drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming oily.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté the mixture for about 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. This step infuses the meat with flavor and starts building the dish’s Italian profile.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer
Break the spaghetti in half and place it into the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the flavorful liquid.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to combine and let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. This final step thickens the sauce and brings the whole dish together with a smooth, creamy finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, herby, creamy goodness of this one-pot Italian dinner. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad if desired.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this dish based on what’s in your pantry or to suit dietary preferences. Here are some great ways to switch things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- More Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, baby spinach, or kale during the sautéing stage.
- Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan just before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef turns out just right every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a Wide Pot: A deep skillet or Dutch oven helps cook the pasta evenly and prevents sticking.
- Break the Spaghetti: Shorter strands make it easier to stir and ensure even cooking.
- Season Gradually: Always taste before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Add More Cream (or Milk): If you want a silkier sauce, feel free to increase the cream or even add a splash of milk.
- Simmer Gently: After adding the cream, avoid boiling—gentle heat keeps the sauce from separating.
Why This Recipe Works
This meal is more than just delicious—it’s incredibly practical. Cooking the pasta right in the same pot with the sauce saves time and dishes. The combination of beef broth, tomatoes, herbs, and cream creates a rich depth of flavor that usually takes hours to develop. Plus, this recipe is flexible, forgiving, and family-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works well, feel free to use penne, rotini, fettuccine, or any other pasta you prefer. Just monitor cooking times, as different shapes may cook faster or slower.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Keep in mind that the pasta might absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Can I substitute ground pork instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground pork will add a slightly richer flavor. You can also try Italian sausage for an extra kick of spice and herbs.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Of course! Swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like lentils, soy crumbles, or chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One-Pot Meal checks all the boxes: simple prep, big flavor, and easy cleanup. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once and it just might become a regular part of your weekly menu rotation.
Enjoy the comfort of creamy, cheesy, meaty pasta—all from one pot. Bon appétit!