Easy Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Easy Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
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This easy spaghetti with ground beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a flavorful dish that the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

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  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
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  • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
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  • 2 tbsp olive oil
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  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
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  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
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  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
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  • 1 tsp salt
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  • ½ tsp black pepper
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  • 1 tsp garlic powder
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  • 1 tsp paprika
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  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Step-by-Step Instructions

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  1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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  3. Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
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  5. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned.
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  7. Add garlic and sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
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  9. Combine with pasta: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes.
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  11. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
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SpiceRole in RecipeWhen to AddQuantity per Pound of Beef
SaltEnhances overall flavorBefore browning and after sauce addition¾ tsp total
Black PepperAdds subtle heat and complexityBefore browning½ tsp
Garlic PowderProvides deep savory notesBefore browning1 tsp
PaprikaImparts smoky sweetnessBefore browning1 tsp
Red Pepper FlakesDelivers controlled heatBefore browning½ tsp (optional)
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FAQs

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Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

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Yes! Ground turkey works well but cooks faster. Reduce cooking time by 2 minutes and add 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent dryness. Seasoning quantities remain the same.

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How do I store leftovers?

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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Freezing is not recommended as pasta becomes mushy.

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What if my sauce is too thin?

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Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce. For quicker thickening, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce until thickened.

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Can I make this gluten-free?

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Yes! Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Check all other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

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Conclusion

\nFinished Spaghetti with Ground Beef\n

With this simple recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality spaghetti dish at home in under 30 minutes. The key is layering flavors at the right stages - seasoning the beef properly before browning and letting the sauce simmer to develop depth. Don't be afraid to adjust spices to your taste, and always taste before serving!

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Lisa Chang

Lisa Chang

A well-traveled food writer who has spent the last eight years documenting authentic spice usage in regional cuisines worldwide. Lisa's unique approach combines culinary with hands-on cooking experience, revealing how spices reflect cultural identity across different societies. Lisa excels at helping home cooks understand the cultural context of spices while providing practical techniques for authentic flavor recreation.