Description
Dirty Spaghetti is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish made with ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce thickened with beef broth and pasta water.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1–2 cups reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6–7 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp seasoned salt blend (like Nature Seasoning)
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1–2 cups of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced peppers and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened.
- Add seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and cayenne (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 3–4 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with about 1 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well coated and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables based on your preference.
- Adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg