Introduction
This Creamy Ground Beef Spaghetti is a rich, satisfying comfort-food dinner made with tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
The result is a silky, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It is an easy 30-minute dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Detail |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Yield | 4–6 servings |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Method | Stovetop |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes classic spaghetti and turns it into an extra-creamy, deeply savory meal.
The ground beef adds hearty flavor, while tomato paste provides richness and depth.
Heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan create a smooth sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully without requiring a complicated cooking process.
Best of all, the entire sauce comes together in one skillet.
Ingredients
🍝 Pasta
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Spaghetti | 12 oz (350 g) | Cook until al dente |
| Salt | For pasta water | As needed |
| Reserved Pasta Water | 1/2 cup | Keep before draining |
🥩 Beef & Aromatics
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Lean Ground Beef | 1 lb (450 g) | 85–90% lean |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
| Fresh Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
🍅 Seasoning
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tbsp | Adds richness |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp | Dried |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/2 tsp | Adds subtle smokiness |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
🥛 Creamy Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | For a rich sauce |
| Fresh Parmesan | 1 cup | Finely grated |
🌿 Garnish
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tbsp | Chopped |
| Extra Parmesan | Optional | For serving |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following the package directions but removing it approximately 1 minute early.
Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Brown the Beef
Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Build the Flavor
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir continuously for approximately 1–2 minutes.
The tomato paste should become slightly darker and fragrant, while the garlic becomes aromatic.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the beef broth into the skillet.
Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen the flavorful browned bits.
Add the heavy cream and stir well.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to reduce and thicken slightly.
Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
The sauce should become smooth, creamy, and glossy.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese.
Add the Spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet.
Using tongs, gently toss the pasta with the creamy beef sauce for approximately 1–2 minutes.
Continue tossing until the sauce coats every strand.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm.
Best Tips
Save the pasta water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce while also helping it cling to the spaghetti.
Do not overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked spaghetti finishes perfectly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Brown the beef properly: Good browning creates a deeper, more savory flavor.
Cook the tomato paste: Allowing it to darken slightly removes its raw taste and intensifies its flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Keep the heat low after adding cheese: Excessive heat can cause the creamy sauce to become grainy.
Best Ingredient Options
Ground Beef: Lean beef works well, while an 80/20 blend produces a richer sauce.
Pasta: Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, bucatini, or rigatoni can also be used.
Cream: Heavy cream creates the richest consistency. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
Cheese: Parmesan is ideal, but a small amount of Romano can add extra savory flavor.
Broth: Beef broth provides the deepest flavor, although chicken broth can be substituted.
Recipe Variations
🧄 Extra Garlic Spaghetti
Add another 1–2 cloves of fresh garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
🍄 Creamy Mushroom Beef Spaghetti
Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms after browning the beef, then continue with the sauce.
🌶️ Spicy Creamy Beef Spaghetti
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
🥬 Spinach Beef Spaghetti
Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the final few minutes until wilted.
🧀 Extra-Cheesy Spaghetti
Add an additional 1/2 cup Parmesan or a little shredded mozzarella for an extra-cheesy finish.
🫑 Vegetable Beef Spaghetti
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef and onion mixture.
What to Serve With
🥖 Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Green Salad
A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
🥦 Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli makes an easy vegetable side for this hearty pasta.
🍅 Tomato Salad
Fresh tomatoes with parsley and a light dressing add brightness to the meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The beef sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
For the best texture, cook the spaghetti shortly before serving.
You can also prepare the entire dish ahead, but the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before placing them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the pasta tightly covered to maintain its moisture.
Reheating
Place individual portions in the microwave and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
For stovetop reheating, place the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth, cream, or milk and gently toss until hot and creamy again.
Freezing
Cream-based pasta dishes can be frozen, although the sauce may change slightly in texture after thawing.
If freezing, cool the spaghetti completely and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little broth or cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the spaghetti: It can become soft after being tossed with the hot sauce.
Skipping the pasta water: This simple ingredient can make a big difference in sauce consistency.
Adding Parmesan over high heat: Excessive heat can cause the cheese to separate.
Making the sauce too thick: Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce becomes silky.
Not seasoning the beef: Proper seasoning throughout the cooking process creates better flavor.
Letting the finished pasta sit too long: Creamy sauces naturally thicken as they cool, so serve promptly.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving, assuming 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
| Calories | 610 kcal |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the finished dish will have a milder flavor.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For the creamiest result, heavy cream is recommended.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon or two at a time while tossing the spaghetti until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli all work well.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, bucatini, penne, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes. Prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh when possible for the best texture.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and a little reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat until glossy and smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ground Beef Spaghetti is a delicious twist on classic spaghetti night.
Savory ground beef, caramelized onion, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, cream, and Parmesan create a rich sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
Finish it with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve alongside warm garlic bread and a crisp salad for an easy, comforting homemade dinner.