Easy Garlic Herb Beef Spaghetti with Colorful Peppers Recipe
This Garlic Herb Beef Spaghetti with Colorful Peppers is a quick and flavorful dish packed with tender beef, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and colorful bell peppers. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in no time!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
12 oz spaghetti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, any color (red, yellow, or orange), sliced into strips
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
Brown the Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the peppers start to soften but still have some crunch.
Add the Broth and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the beef and vegetable mixture.
If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Stir well to combine.
Serve:
Divide the garlic herb beef spaghetti among serving plates.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for this recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have bell peppers?
If you don’t have bell peppers, you can swap them with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a different twist.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced fresh chili peppers along with the bell peppers.
Q: Can I add cheese to the pasta while cooking?
Yes! If you like a cheesy pasta dish, you can stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the label of any other ingredients that may contain gluten.