Spicy Pasta
A spicy, hearty pasta dish with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and those craving bold Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked pasta (use 3 different kinds pasta) ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic in a 12-inch skillet until meat is browned and vegetables are tender; drain.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Stir in cooked pasta; heat through.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables and jarred sauce to streamline the process. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, similar to Italian recipes like Italian Meat Sauce For Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Pasta contains roughly 163 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1448mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner dish. You can also use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I make this pasta dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes for added texture and protein.
What types of pasta work best for this recipe?
Feel free to use any combination of pasta shapes you enjoy! A mix of penne, fusilli, and rotini creates a delightful texture. Just make sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).