Description
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Creamy Italian Spaghetti & Ground Beef One Pot Meal checks every box. It’s a delicious one-pot recipe that brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, rich tomato flavor, tender spaghetti, and melty cheese — all simmered into a luscious, comforting sauce. Ideal for anyone needing easy dinner ideas, family-friendly meals, or a cozy comfort food recipe. Plus, fewer dishes and faster cleanup make this the ultimate weeknight win.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces spaghetti
3 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Lower heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
3. Pour in beef broth, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir well.
4. Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot. Gently press down so it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
7. Let rest for a few minutes off heat before serving.
Notes
For best flavor and texture, always use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.
Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Letting the dish rest off heat for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy spaghetti, easy dinner, quick meal, ground beef recipe, comfort food