best dirty spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
best dirty spaghetti recipe
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The Best best dirty spaghetti recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite dirty spaghetti recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you and your family wanting more. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I’ve made this dish countless times, and every time I serve it to my family, they always ask for seconds.

The key to this recipe is the technique of cooking the spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce with some added spices and herbs that give it an amazing aroma. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, as it’s made with wholesome ingredients that are packed with nutrients. The sauce is made from scratch using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, which gives it a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. When I cook this dish, I always feel like I’m giving my family the best possible meal.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re cooking the spaghetti together. They get so excited when they see the colorful pasta twirling around their forks. The first time I made this recipe was when I was still in college, and my roommate introduced me to this classic Italian dish. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes whenever I need to feed a crowd or have a family gathering.

I’ve tried various variations of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my absolute favorite. It’s comforting, satisfying, and full of love – just like home-cooked meals should be. I’ve experimented with different types of pasta in this recipe, but traditional spaghetti is still my top choice. The long strands of pasta hold onto the flavorful sauce perfectly, making each bite a delight.

When I serve this dish at gatherings or potlucks, people always rave about the flavors and textures. It’s truly an unbeatable combination. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can serve it as an entree or side dish at any meal throughout the day. My family loves getting creative with toppings for this dish – from parmesan cheese to diced ham or pepperoni slices.

Best Dirty Spaghetti

Best Dirty Spaghetti

4.9 from 1221 votes

This dirty spaghetti is a bold, savory pasta dish with ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. It gets its name from the deep, earthy flavors that come from cooking everything together until it is wonderfully messy and delicious.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp salt for pasta water

For the Dirty Sauce

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the spaghetti, then cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
9Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
10Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
11Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
12Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
13Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently with tongs to coat the pasta evenly.
14Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a silky consistency that clings to the noodles.
15Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss once more.
16Serve the dirty spaghetti immediately in warm bowls, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
17The pasta should be glossy and coated with the rich, slightly chunky sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes for extra depth. Reserve more pasta water than you think you need, as the sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.

Watch Video Of How Best Dirty Spaghetti Works

This delicious dirty spaghetti recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or entertaining guests at a dinner party. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture will leave everyone begging for more!

One of my favorite aspects about this recipe is how versatile it is – serve it as an entree or side dish at any meal throughout the day. Storage ideas include storing leftover dirtied spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freezing cooked leftovers for up to six months.

When reheating leftovers on low heat until warmed through, make sure not to overcook them – you want them still juicy but heated through. For serving ideas, add some crusty bread on the side, and don’t forget some grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dirty Spaghetti

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

The best type of pasta to use in dirty spaghetti is traditional spaghetti made from durum wheat semolina.

Q: Can I make dirty spaghetti without meat?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage from the recipe and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.

Q: Can I store dirty spaghetti leftovers?

Sure thing! Store leftover dirty spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Q: Can I reheat dirty spaghetti?

Yes! Simply reheat leftovers on low heat until warmed through.

Q: How do I freeze dirty spaghetti?

Freeze cooked dirty spaghetti in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to six months.

Q: Can children help with cooking dirty spaghetti?

Kids love helping in the kitchen! Assign them simple tasks like stirring sauce or sprinkling cheese for added fun.

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