southern dirty spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best southern dirty spaghetti recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, Southern Dirty Spaghetti. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether we’re talking about a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family, Southern Dirty Spaghetti is always a hit.

I remember my grandmother making this recipe for me when I was a kid, and it’s a tradition that I’ve carried on with my own children. There’s something about the combination of ground beef, spaghetti, and a tangy tomato sauce that just feels like home. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of the kind of love that only comes from a homemade meal.

And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time.

So grab your apron and let’s get started on this culinary journey together! My family loves this recipe because it’s so versatile – we can serve it as a main course or use it as a base for other dishes like meatballs or subs. The flavors are rich and satisfying, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – with lean ground beef and plenty of veggies, this dish is actually pretty good for you too! Of course, there are many variations on this recipe out there, but trust me when I say that this one is the real deal. My grandmother used to say that it was all about the technique – getting those noodles cooked just right so they’re nice and tender without overcooking them.

I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients and taking your time when cooking makes all the difference in the world.

Southern Dirty Spaghetti

4.7 from 1623 votes

A rich and savory pasta dish inspired by Southern dirty rice, featuring ground beef, chicken livers, and aromatic vegetables. The spaghetti is cooked in a deeply seasoned broth, giving it a dark, flavorful coating.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound chicken livers, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Seasoning Base

1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

4 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4Add the ground beef and chopped chicken livers, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
6Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
8Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
10Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
11Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, and bay leaves.
12Return the browned meat to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
13Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot and toss well with the sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
14Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring, until the spaghetti absorbs some of the liquid and becomes dark and rich.
15Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
16Remove the bay leaves and transfer the dirty spaghetti to a serving platter.
17Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

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

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon. Chicken livers are traditional but can be omitted for a less intense flavor. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Southern Dirty Spaghetti Works

I’m so glad you asked about Southern Dirty Spaghetti because it’s really one of those recipes that never fails to impress – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck gathering. One thing that makes this recipe stand out is its ability to be customized to suit any taste or dietary need – want more heat?

Add some hot sauce! Want less fat?

Use leaner ground beef or skip adding bacon altogether! This versatility is what keeps me coming back to Southern Dirty Spaghetti again and again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Dirty Spaghetti

Q: What is Southern Dirty Spaghetti?

Southern Dirty Spaghetti is a classic comfort food recipe that originated in the southern United States. It typically consists of ground beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce, and various spices.

Q: Is Southern Dirty Spaghetti healthy?

While traditional recipes may be high in fat and sodium, there are ways to make this dish healthier. Using lean ground beef and plenty of veggies can make it a relatively nutritious option.

Q: Can I customize Southern Dirty Spaghetti to suit my tastes?

One of the best things about Southern Dirty Spaghetti is its versatility – you can add your own twist by using different types of meat or adding extra veggies.

Q: How do I store leftover Southern Dirty Spaghetti?

Avoid storing leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours; instead refrigerate or freeze them promptly to prevent foodborne illness.

Q: Can I reheat Southern Dirty Spaghetti safely?

To reheat safely, ensure your leftovers are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which will kill off bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

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