Imagine a culinary mashup that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance - where classic Italian pasta meets the bold, smoky flavors of Southern BBQ! This isn't just another spaghetti recipe; it's a mouthwatering adventure that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. If you're tired of traditional tomato sauce and craving something that packs a punch of flavor, our Southern BBQ Spaghetti Sauce is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked spaghetti
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, and cooked spaghetti.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a medium flame over the stove. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- As the beef begins to brown, add the chopped onion to the pan. Stir occasionally, allowing the onion to soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the beef is fully cooked and the onion and garlic are fragrant, drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Pour in the can of tomato sauce and the 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare your cooked spaghetti according to the package instructions if you haven't done so already. Drain and set aside.
- Once the sauce has thickened and is bubbling, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more BBQ sauce at this point.
- To serve, place a generous portion of cooked spaghetti on each plate and ladle the Southern BBQ spaghetti sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your delicious Southern BBQ Spaghetti!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the beef - look for a sauce with a good balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- For extra depth, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't rush the simmering process - letting the sauce cook slowly helps the flavors meld and intensify.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to kick up the spice level.
- Fresh garlic makes a big difference - avoid pre-minced garlic from a jar if possible.
- For a richer sauce, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after cooking the beef.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Leftover sauce freezes beautifully - make a double batch and save some for an easy future meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
