Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal

Name: Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti (broken in half if needed); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Posted on June 3, 2025

Creamy One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Cheese in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a cozy, creamy, and oh-so-flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal cleanup? This Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal is your answer! With tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce, it’s a family-friendly dish that delivers big taste without the hassle. Everything cooks in one pot (yes, even the pasta!), making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Trust us—this will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal checks all the right boxes: it’s quick, easy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something simple and delicious, this recipe is a winner. You’ll love the creamy tomato base with Italian seasoning and melty cheese that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup—just one pot! It’s also super flexible, so you can tweak it to fit whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand. Comfort food doesn’t get more convenient than this.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and common fridge finds. Everything cooks together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal mess.

You’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (80/20 works great)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces uncooked spaghetti (break in half if needed)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

This one-pot wonder comes together in about 30 minutes and couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to make it:

Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in sauces and liquid: Add marinara sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Add spaghetti: Break spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Gently press it into the liquid to submerge. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer and stir: Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This dish is perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week.

Servings: 4–6 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

It’s fast enough for busy weeknights and comforting enough for cozy weekends. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread, and dinner is done.

Tips and Variations

Make this recipe your own with these fun twists and helpful tips:

Switch up the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Go veggie: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Cheese it up: Swap or add in different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or ricotta for extra creaminess.
Make it spicier: Amp up the heat with more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Add a splash of wine: Deglaze the pot with ¼ cup of white wine before adding the sauces for depth.
Use different pasta: Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work—just adjust the simmer time.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti brand.

Storage

Leftovers of this creamy one pot meal store beautifully and make an easy lunch or second dinner.

Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but keep in mind the cream may separate a bit. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use jarred pasta sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite store-bought marinara or tomato basil sauce—whatever you have on hand works great.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a little less rich.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep it creamy.

4. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta a few times during simmering to prevent clumping or sticking to the pot.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the cheese or use dairy-free versions.

6. What kind of ground beef should I use?
An 80/20 blend gives a nice balance of flavor and fat. Drain any excess grease before adding sauces.

7. Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the creamy sauce and cheesy pasta. Just leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite comfort food: Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal. It’s cozy, cheesy, and completely satisfying, all made in just one pot with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving something warm and hearty, this recipe has your back. Don’t forget to pin it for later and share it with someone who loves quick, comforting meals!

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