Cheesy Spaghetti
If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe that’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds, this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti is about to become one of your family’s favorite meals. Tender spaghetti noodles are tossed with a hearty meat sauce, rich cream cheese, and gooey melted pepper jack cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Try this Chicken Spaghetti recipe next!
Like ground beef recipes? Check out my Loaded Potato Casserole and Baked Beans recipes!
This recipe takes classic spaghetti to the next level with a creamy, cheesy twist that makes it extra satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a hearty homemade meal.
I kinda developed this recipe by accident! When I was looking for something quick to make last minute for dinner one night. I literally used ingredients I had on hand at the time and I ended up coming up with this recipe!
My family LOVED it and I think yours will too! Let me know in a comments how it turned out!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Spaghetti
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family
- Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Kid-friendly and easily customizable
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
Traditional spaghetti is always a winner, but adding cream cheese creates an incredibly smooth, velvety sauce. The pepper jack cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding just a hint of spice without overwhelming the dish.
The combination of two pasta sauces gives the spaghetti a rich tomato flavor while the cheeses balance everything with creamy goodness.
Ingredients
- ½ pound spaghetti noodles
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 (23-ounce) jar marinara pasta sauce
- 1 (24-ounce) can traditional pasta sauce
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Large pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and tender.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the beef cooks, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain well.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce and traditional pasta sauce into the cooked beef mixture.
Stir well and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the meat sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Place the cream cheese pieces over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
Cover the pan for 2–3 minutes until the cream cheese softens.
Stir until completely melted into the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in the shredded pepper jack cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts into a rich, creamy sauce.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Creamy Spaghetti
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts faster.
- Cook the noodles just until al dente since they’ll continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Variations
Make It Mild
Swap the pepper jack for:
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Mild cheddar
- Colby Jack
Add Vegetables
Mix in:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Diced tomatoes
Add Heat
For extra spice, stir in:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Diced jalapeños
- Hot sauce
What to Serve with Creamy Ground Beef Spaghetti
This hearty pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Homemade breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Garlic butter rolls
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Microwave
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Stovetop
Warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta sauce if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes!
Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, rigatoni, shells, or fettuccine all work wonderfully.
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken make great lighter alternatives.
Not really. It adds a mild kick, but if you’re serving picky eaters, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are excellent substitutes.
Yes! This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese whenever possible.
- Don’t overcook the noodles.
- Let the cream cheese soften before stirring.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes before adding the pasta to deepen the flavor.
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until the beefis fullys fully browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Season the cooked ground beef and onions with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain well.
- Add the marinara sauce and traditional pasta sauce to the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce and ground beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the pieces of cream cheese to the top of the spaghetti mixture. Cover and allow the cream cheese to soften and melt for a few minutes.
- Stir the melted cream cheese into the spaghetti until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Add the shredded pepper jack cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a milder flavor, substitute Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese for the pepper jack cheese.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the
stovetop or in the microwave.
Sometimes the best dinners are the simplest ones, and this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti proves just that. With everyday ingredients, plenty of cheesy goodness, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the kind of meal everyone looks forward to. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meals for the week, this comforting pasta recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.
