Smoky BBQ Beef Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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!