Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with turkey for a lighter option, or swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack if you prefer a bit more kick. These adjustments make it easy to tailor the dish to your family’s tastes, much like how my abuela taught me to cook — with flexibility and intuition.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. The aroma will remind you of cozy nights in a bustling kitchen filled with family.
- Stir in the red bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and barbecue sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, stirring gently until melted and gooey.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Savor each bite, remembering that cooking is an expression of creativity and care.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International