Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Beef Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it’s browned evenly. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to evenly coat the beef with the seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld for another minute or so.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta While you’re preparing the beef, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 4: Make the Sauce In the same skillet that you cooked the beef in, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Once everything is well combined, stir in an additional ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creamy, cheesy texture.