Dirty Spaghetti

Name: Dirty Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 Italian sausage links, casings removed; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 1/2 cups beef stock, divided; 1 tbsp garlic paste; 1 packet beefy onion soup mix; 1 tsp whole herb seasoning blend; 2 tsp all-purpose seasoning blend; 1 lb spaghetti, cooked

Dirty Spaghetti is a one-pot Cajun pasta that combines ground beef and Italian sausage with the holy trinity of onion, bell peppers, and celery in a rich, deeply seasoned meat sauce. It delivers the bold, smoky flavors of dirty rice in noodle form.

🌍Cajun 🏷️Dirty spaghetti 🏷️Spaghetti 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Ground beef Southern

🏷️

-0:00

culinaryflaireonTikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by culinaryflaire

-0:00

culinaryflaireonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 Italian sausage links, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 1/2 cups beef stock, divided
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 packet beefy onion soup mix
1 tsp whole herb seasoning blendoptional
2 tsp all-purpose seasoning blendoptional
1 lb spaghetti, cooked

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Instructions

1
In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks.
2
Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables have softened.
3
Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well and cook for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
4
Create a well in the center of the pot. Add the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen the flavor, then stir it into the rest of the mixture.
5
Add the Worcestershire sauce and Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine.
6
Pour in 1 cup of the beef stock and stir everything together.
7
Stir in the garlic paste, followed by the packet of beefy onion soup mix.
8
If using, add the optional whole herb and all-purpose seasoning blends. Stir to incorporate.
9
Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of beef stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
10
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
11
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot with the sauce.
12
Stir thoroughly until the spaghetti is fully coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot; this ensures deep caramelization and better flavor development.
Toast the flour in the fat for 1–2 minutes before adding liquid to eliminate raw flour taste and thicken the sauce naturally.
Cook the spaghetti directly in the sauce during the final stage to help it absorb flavor and reduce dishes.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; Cajun blends vary by brand, so you may need extra salt or hot sauce.

Substitutions

Italian sausage → andouille sausage (more authentic Cajun heat) or additional ground beef (milder result)
Cajun seasoning → 1 tsp paprika + 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp onion powder + 1 tsp cayenne + ½ tsp thyme (approximation only)
Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (use same amount, note: slight flavor shift)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce.

Common Questions

Can I make dirty spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes. Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore sauce consistency.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun heat, or replace with additional ground beef (1.5 lbs total) if you prefer milder flavor.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of Cajun seasoning?

Fresh garlic adds flavor but won't replicate the spice blend in Cajun seasoning. Use garlic as an addition to—not a replacement for—the 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

How do I know when the sauce is done?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and cling to the pasta. If it looks thin after the spaghetti is tender, simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

No. The dish relies on ground beef and sausage for its core flavor and texture. Vegetarian substitutes (plant-based meat) may work but will change the taste profile significantly.