Description
A bold and satisfying pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a spicy ground beef and tomato sauce. Perfect for lovers of heat and hearty Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg