Homemade Spaghettios

These One-Pot Creamy Beef Grown-Up Spaghettios are nostalgia in a bowl… but richer, creamier, and actually satisfying enough to be dinner. It has tender pasta rings simmered in a creamy tomato beef sauce with parmesan, garlic, and optional cottage cheese for an extra protein boost.

This is the kind of cozy one-pot pasta recipe that tastes like your childhood but it’s made with real ingredients and deeper flavor. Everything cooks together in one pot, so the pasta absorbs all the tomato broth and becomes extra creamy without complicated steps.

If you grew up loving canned Spaghettios but want a homemade, high-protein, family-friendly version, this creamy beef Spaghettios recipe is exactly that upgrade.

If you already love cozy, meal-prep-friendly dinners like my Vodka Sauce Pasta or comfort classics like my Ravioli Casserole, this nostalgic pasta is absolutely your vibe.

Why You’ll Love These Grown-Up Spaghettios

• One-pot creamy beef pasta
• Homemade Spaghettios with real ingredients
• Kid-friendly but adult-approved flavor
• Cozy, nostalgic comfort meal
• Meal prep friendly and reheats beautifully
• High-protein option with cottage cheese

This is one of those dinners that feels indulgent but still practical for busy nights.

What Makes These Homemade Spaghettios So Good

The secret to this creamy beef pasta is cooking the pasta directly in the sauce so everything becomes rich and flavorful.

Ground Beef Base

Ground beef adds hearty texture and savory depth that makes this pasta feel like a full meal instead of just a side dish.

Tomato Paste + Crushed Tomatoes

Cooking tomato paste with garlic deepens flavor and removes acidity, creating a smoother tomato sauce. This is the same flavor-building trick used in comfort dishes like my Italian Penicillin Soup, where slow tomato layering creates richness.

Cooking Pasta in Broth

Simmering pasta directly in broth and tomatoes allows the pasta to absorb flavor while releasing starch, naturally thickening the sauce.

Cream, Parmesan & Cottage Cheese

Heavy cream adds richness, parmesan adds salty depth, and blended cottage cheese adds protein while making the sauce extra silky without tasting tangy.

What This Creamy Beef Pasta Should Look Like

• Thick but spoonable tomato cream sauce
• Tender pasta rings fully coated in sauce
• Rich but balanced creamy texture

If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in broth or milk before serving.

How to Make Homemade Spaghettios Foolproof

• Brown beef fully before adding sauce
• Cook tomato paste briefly to deepen flavor
• Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking
• Reduce heat before adding dairy
• Let pasta rest before serving to thicken naturally

These same resting and sauce-thickening techniques are used in creamy comfort casseroles like my Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Use gluten-free pasta rings or small pasta shapes
• Add spinach or peas for vegetables
• Skip cottage cheese if preferred

If you love flexible comfort meals, you would also enjoy my High Protein Tamale Casserole, which follows the same cozy one-dish dinner philosophy.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Meal Prep

This grown-up Spaghettios recipe reheats extremely well and thickens overnight.

• Perfect for leftover lunches
• Family-friendly batch dinner
• Easy freezer meal
• Pasta holds sauce texture beautifully

I often pair cozy dinner prep like this with snack meal prep recipes like my Cosmic Brownie Energy Bites for balanced weekly meal planning.

Storage and Reheating

Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days.

Reheat with splash of broth or milk to loosen sauce.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

If you loved this cozy one-pot dinner, you’ll also love my Viral Dumpling Bake.

Troubleshooting

Pasta undercooked

Simmer a few extra minutes, adding broth if needed.

Sauce too thick

Add milk or broth and stir gently.

Sauce too thin

Allow pasta to rest 5 minutes to thicken naturally.

Dairy separating

Add cream and cheese after lowering heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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