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dirty spaghetti recipe

Viral Dirty Spaghetti Recipe 2026

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A hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti noodles coated in a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and aromatic spices.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 pound spaghetti pasta
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes, for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion into fine 1/4-inch pieces.
  2. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  3. Break apart any large chunks in the crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
  4. Measure the herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and sugar into small bowls.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Add the ground beef and break it apart immediately with a wooden spoon.
  7. Cook the beef without stirring for 2 minutes so it develops a golden crust.
  8. Stir occasionally and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.
  9. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot.
  10. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the browned beef.
  11. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  12. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  13. Add the tomato paste and stir continuously for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor and color.
  14. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
  15. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
  16. Stir until the sauce is fully combined.
  17. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  18. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  19. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
  20. Bring 6 to 8 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  21. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water.
  22. Add spaghetti and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
  23. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes.
  24. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  25. Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the simmering sauce.
  26. Toss gently until every strand is evenly coated.
  27. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  28. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Brown the beef properly and toast the tomato paste for the deepest flavor. Cook the pasta al dente and toss it directly into the sauce with a little reserved pasta water so the sauce clings beautifully to every strand.

  • Author: Amelie Harper
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 72g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Find it online: https://www.valentinakitchen.com/dirty-spaghetti-recipe/