Name: Dirty Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 large yellow onion, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp cajun seasoning, or to taste; 2 tsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 1 lb spaghetti; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; 1 tbsp dried parsley, for garnish

1

Dice the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.

2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it begins to brown.

3

Season the beef with Cajun seasoning and continue to cook until no longer pink.

4

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef, stir well, and cook for about one minute.

5

Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet.

6

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and sauté until the vegetables are softened.

7

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

8

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

9

Pour the reserved pasta water into the meat and vegetable mixture to create a sauce.

10

Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet.

11

Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

12

Garnish with additional dried parsley and serve immediately.