Spaghetti and meat sauce is a beloved comfort food, but why not take it up a notch? This BBQ Beef Spaghetti swaps out traditional marinara for a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, giving the dish a bold, Southern-inspired kick. The savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and hints of spice make every bite rich and flavorful. It’s the perfect fusion of Italian and American barbecue traditions—great for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Smoky BBQ Beef Spaghetti
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
For the BBQ Beef Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce preferably smoky or spicy
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter optional, for tossing pasta
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended)
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Shredded cheddar or smoked gouda
- Crispy fried onions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
Saute the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the barbecue sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve & Garnish
Plate the BBQ beef spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar or smoked gouda, fresh parsley, and crispy fried onions for extra crunch. Enjoy!
Pairings
- Side Dish: A side of buttery garlic bread or a crisp coleslaw adds balance to the smoky sauce.
- Drink: A cold glass of sweet tea, a smoky bourbon cocktail, or a dark beer like a stout pairs well.
- Dessert: Finish with a classic Southern dessert like peach cobbler or banana pudding.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works best, fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni can hold the sauce well.
2. What’s the best type of beef for this recipe?
Use ground beef with some fat content (80/20) for flavor. If using leaner beef (90/10), consider adding a splash of olive oil for richness.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The BBQ beef sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
4. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
A smoky or spicy barbecue sauce works best, but you can customize based on your preference—honey BBQ for sweetness, or vinegar-based for tang.
