Healthy Dirty Spaghetti

If you love classic comfort food but want something a little healthier, this Healthy Dirty Spaghetti recipe is the perfect solution. It’s hearty, flavorful, protein-packed, and made with simple pantry staples. This easy weeknight dinner combines lean ground beef, vegetables, diced tomato and spaghetti with protein for a satisfying family meal without feeling heavy. Best of all, this healthy spaghetti recipe is budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Dirty Spaghetti? This dirty spaghetti recipe is high in protein and fiber, budget-friendly family meal, great for meal prep, and Ready in under 30 minutes. This is also an easy way to add vegetables. I only used bell pepper but if you have zucchini, add it too for extra fiber and nutrients.

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

Extra Virgin olive oil or avocado oil

1-2 bell peppers

4-5 crushed or chopped garlic cloves

1 cup onion

1 15oz can diced tomatoes

1 package of Barilla protein pasta

1 cup of reserved pasta water or 1 cup of beef broth

dried or fresh parsley

2 tsp paprika (I used smoked paprika and regular paprika)

salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions. You can add salt. Reserve a cup of the pasta water.

2. In a separate pot, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the bell peppers. cook for a couple minutes then add the garlic. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink.

3. Add the broth or pasta water, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until all the flavors are all incorporated.

4. Turn the stove off so you won't over cook the pasta. Add the cooked pasta into the ground beef mixture and toss until combined. Top with fresh or remaining dried parsley.

Optional: You can sprinkle the pasta with nutritional yeast for added nutrients and flavor instead of parmesan cheese.

Side suggestions: Salad, veggies, Cheddar Jalapeno Bread