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Dirty Spaghetti

All the comfort of dirty rice in spaghetti form. This one-pot 30-minute dinner combines ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and bell peppers for a glossy, flavorful pasta.

Prep10 mins
Cook20 mins
Serves6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium green or red bell peppers, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 5 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sliced green onions or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a 4 to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring often, until browned and crumbly, 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the spaghetti and water to the pot, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove the lid and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the black pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
  4. Remove from the heat and taste, adding salt if needed. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or hot sauce if desired and serve.
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