Grandma’s Creamy Italian Beef Spaghetti One-Pot Wonder

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Introduction:

There’s something magical about Grandma’s cooking—simple ingredients, hearty flavors, and the comfort of a home-cooked meal. This Creamy Italian Beef Spaghetti One-Pot Wonder is exactly that: a warm, rich, and satisfying pasta dish made all in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or nostalgic comfort meals.

Origin:

Inspired by classic Italian-American home cooking, this dish blends traditional Italian flavors with the creamy, comforting textures typical of American casseroles. Grandma’s version streamlines the process into a one-pot meal, combining beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce, and cream into a hearty family favorite.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
  • 8 oz (half a box) uncooked spaghetti (broken in half)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients/Substitutions:

  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier kick.
  • Swap cream cheese or sour cream for the heavy cream for a different richness.
  • Use gluten-free spaghetti for dietary needs.
  • Add a touch of Parmesan at the end for deeper flavor.

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil (if needed) and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Add the broken spaghetti pieces and stir to make sure they don’t stick together. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Tips for Success:

  • Stir pasta frequently to avoid clumping or sticking to the bottom.
  • Add more broth or water if needed while cooking to keep the pasta moist.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be tender but not mushy.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
  • Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving—it thickens beautifully.

Recommendations:

  • Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Pair with garlic bread or low-carb breadsticks.
  • This dish makes excellent leftovers—reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
  • Great for meal prepping or freezing in individual portions.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/6 of recipe):

  • Calories: 490
  • Fat: 28g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 32g
    (Nutrition values vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.)

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