Homemade Southern Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Ingredients:

250 g spaghetti

300 g ground beef

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (or canned)

1 cup tomato sauce (increase for more richness)

1 tbsp tomato paste (for deeper flavor 🔥)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

½ tsp sugar (balances acidity 👌)

½ cup pasta water (reserved)

½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan (optional)

Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.

👉 Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2️⃣ Build the Base Flavor

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add onion → cook until soft.

Add garlic → sauté 30 seconds.

3️⃣ Brown the Beef (Important 🔥)

Add ground beef, season with salt & pepper.

Cook until nicely browned, not just cooked.

👉 Let it caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

4️⃣ Create the Sauce

Add:

Bell pepper

Diced tomatoes

Tomato paste

Cook 2–3 minutes to intensify flavor.

Then add:

Tomato sauce

Italian seasoning

Paprika

Chili flakes

Sugar

Simmer 10–15 minutes (this is key for taste 👌).

5️⃣ Combine Everything

Add spaghetti + a splash of pasta water.

Toss well until sauce coats every strand.

👉 Let it cook together 1–2 minutes.

6️⃣ Finish Like a Pro

Top with:

Cheese (melty 😍)

Fresh parsley

🔥 Pro Tips:

Tomato paste = restaurant taste

Pasta water = silky sauce

Don’t rush the simmer = better flavor

Slight sweetness = perfect balance