Creamy Italian Beef and Spaghetti: A Comforting Weeknight Favorite

 One-Pot Creamy Italian Beef and Spaghetti: A Comforting Weeknight Favorite

If you’re craving a soul-warming, restaurant-quality meal that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, this One-Pot Creamy Italian Beef and Spaghetti is the answer. Imagine tender spaghetti simmered in a rich tomato-beef broth, infused with classic Italian herbs, and finished with a velvety touch of cream and Parmesan. The best part? It all comes together in one pot—less mess, more flavor, and dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.

This creamy pasta dish is everything you want in a cozy family meal: hearty, savory, and irresistibly creamy. Whether you're feeding a hungry household or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience without compromising on taste.

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Ingredients (and Why Each One Matters)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible dish, with each ingredient playing a key role in building layers of flavor:

1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds richness and helps brown the beef for deeper flavor.

1 pound ground beef – The protein base of the dish, offering heartiness and a savory depth.

1 small onion, chopped – Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity.

3 cloves garlic, minced – Delivers classic Italian flavor and warmth.

1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings earthy, herbaceous notes that elevate the sauce.

1 teaspoon dried basil – Lends a sweet, peppery flavor that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.

4 cups beef broth – Infuses the pasta with meaty, umami-rich flavor while it cooks.

1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes – Provides the tangy, rich tomato base for the sauce.

12 ounces spaghetti – The star carb, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks in the broth.

½ cup heavy cream – Adds luxurious creaminess to transform the tomato sauce into something indulgent.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) – A bright, fresh touch that adds visual appeal and a burst of herby aroma.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create this creamy one-pot pasta perfection:

1. Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

3. Add Seasonings

Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, allowing the herbs to toast slightly for about 1 minute. This helps release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.

4. Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, add the spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed to fit in the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

> 💡 Pro Tip: Stir the pasta regularly while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even absorption of the broth and sauce.

5. Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and clings beautifully to the noodles.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

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Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

This one-pot pasta dish is loved for its:

Simplicity – Everything cooks in one pot. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Rich, creamy texture – A combination of beef broth, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and cheese makes the sauce silky and satisfying.

Classic Italian flavors – Herbs like oregano and basil give that authentic, comforting Italian aroma.

Versatility – Swap beef for Italian sausage, or use gluten-free pasta if needed.

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Serving Suggestions

Complete your Italian dinner experience with:

A crisp Caesar salad or Caprese salad

Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls

A glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli

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Pro Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the saltiness of the final dish.

Add a splash of pasta water or more broth if the sauce thickens too much.

For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the cream.

To make it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs.

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Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

This One-Pot Creamy Italian Beef and Spaghetti recipe checks every box: it's quick, comforting, flavor-packed, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prep for the busy week ahead, this dish will become a staple in your rotation.

With its creamy tomato base, rich beefy flavor, and tender pasta all cooked together in one pot, it's more than just a meal—it's a hug in a bowl.

> ⭐ Save this recipe now and make dinner the easies

t and most delicious part of your day!

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