Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
If you’ve been looking for a pasta dish that hits every comfort note—rich, cheesy, meaty, and irresistibly creamy—your search ends here. This Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is a flavor-packed pasta dream that comes together easily but tastes like something you ordered at a cozy Italian bistro.
Tender spaghetti is coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with not one, not two, but THREE cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese—then tossed with seasoned ground beef for a complete, satisfying meal that’ll make your family (or your inner foodie) very happy.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Cozy family dinners. Date nights in. Random weeknights where you just want something creamy and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Super creamy, cheesy sauce – 3 cheeses = flavor explosion.
Full meal in one pan – Pasta + meat + sauce = dinner done.
Great for picky eaters – Cheesy, familiar, and oh-so-satisfying.
Leftovers reheat beautifully – and sometimes taste even better the next day.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Want to nail this dish on your very first try? Here are some insider secrets…
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest melt and best flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Season in layers—salt the beef, season the sauce, taste as you go.
Ingredients
Here’s your lineup for the ultimate creamy, cheesy, meaty pasta night:
- For the Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
Salt for the boiling water
- For the Beef:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the 3-Cheese Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece…
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Toss in the drained spaghetti. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Mix until pasta is evenly coated. Let it sit for 2 minutes off the heat to thicken slightly before serving.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The beauty of this dish lies in the balance—the spaghetti holds just the right bite, the beef is savory and well-seasoned, and the sauce? It’s a blanket of creamy, melty goodness with a touch of tang from the Parmesan and cream cheese. It’s thick enough to cling to every noodle, but smooth enough to feel silky on the tongue. Pure comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here’s how to round it out:
Serve with a crisp green salad (think romaine, tomatoes, Italian dressing).
Add garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce.
Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Add a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving—because why not?
Creative Leftover Transformations
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! You can…
Turn it into baked spaghetti: Place leftovers in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly.
Use in stuffed peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with the pasta and bake.
Make creamy spaghetti muffins: Press into muffin tins, top with cheese, and bake for on-the-go lunch bites.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips…
Want to lighten it up? Use half-and-half instead of whole milk and low-fat cheeses.
No mozzarella? Use provolone or Monterey Jack.
Add veggies – Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be amazing.
Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)
Want to wow your guests?
Twirl the pasta into little nests on the plate and spoon extra sauce on top.
Serve with a Parmesan crisp or garlic knot on the side.
Top with fresh chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for that “just like a restaurant” look.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead, store covered in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze it, but the cheese sauce may separate a bit when thawed. Reheat with a splash of milk and stir well. - What if I don’t eat beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works great, or try sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. - Can I add more cheese?
Always! Just be sure to balance with a little extra milk if it gets too thick. - How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?
Use low heat and whisk constantly when melting the cheeses. - Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work well. - What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor, but low-fat works too. - Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! Most kids love the cheesy flavor and mild seasoning. - Can I make this spicy?
Yes—add red pepper flakes or stir in a little hot sauce to the beef. - How long will leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It’s quick enough for weeknights, rich enough for guests, and comforting enough to make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, cheesy hug. One bite and you’ll understand—it’s not just spaghetti, it’s a moment.
Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
Creamy Beef Spaghetti with 3-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food mashup—juicy seasoned beef, tender spaghetti noodles, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese. It’s the kind of hearty, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute. Remove beef mixture from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and stir until smooth. Then add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
- Return the beef mixture to the skillet and stir to combine with the cheese sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until everything is coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground Italian sausage instead of beef for added flavor.
- Swap spaghetti with fettuccine or penne for a fun twist.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Reheats beautifully—just add a splash of milk when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg