Easy Skillet Spaghetti Recipe

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups water
• 18 fluid ounces tomato juice
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoons chili powder (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 7 ounces spaghetti

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add the water, tomato juice, tomato paste, minced onion, chili powder, sugar, oregano, garlic salt, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the spaghetti to the skillet, stirring to separate the strands. Cover and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the spaghetti is tender, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrate	Dietary Fiber	Total Sugars	Protein	Vitamin C	Calcium	Iron	Potassium
490	19g	7g	70mg	1814mg	53g	5g	12g	28g	36mg	67mg	6mg	1139mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Easy Skillet Spaghetti is a straightforward and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine into the heart of American home cooking. Ground beef, spaghetti, and a flavorful tomato-based broth come together in one skillet for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

History of Easy Skillet Spaghetti

While spaghetti itself has roots in Italy, the easy skillet version is a product of modern American home cooking, designed for convenience and speed. Traditional Italian pasta recipes often involve boiling the pasta separately and serving it with a sauce, but the skillet method combines everything in one pot, making it quicker and easier. This particular version likely emerged in the mid-20th century, with the rise of busy families and a need for one-pot meals that minimized clean-up while still providing hearty comfort food.

Regional Variations

In many parts of the United States, this skillet spaghetti recipe has been adapted to local tastes. For example, in the South, cooks might add more spices, like Cajun seasoning or even hot sauce, to give the dish a little extra kick. In contrast, the Midwest might feature a version with more vegetables or substitute the beef for sausage to enhance the flavor profile. These regional tweaks are a testament to the versatility and adaptability of this dish.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While skillet spaghetti shares similarities with other pasta dishes like American goulash or spaghetti with meat sauce, its key distinction lies in the cooking method. The ingredients in skillet spaghetti are simmered together in a single pan, which infuses the pasta with all the flavors of the broth and meat. This contrasts with traditional spaghetti, where pasta and sauce are cooked separately. Additionally, skillet spaghetti often uses a tomato-based broth that absorbs into the noodles, creating a flavorful and cohesive dish in one pan.

Where It Is Typically Served

Easy skillet spaghetti is most commonly served as a weeknight dinner at home, particularly for busy families looking for a no-fuss meal. Its also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you're craving a comforting, one-pan dish. Many people pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad to balance the richness of the meal. This dish is particularly popular in American kitchens, where simplicity and taste are often prioritized over intricate preparations.

Fun Facts

• Skillet spaghetti became popular during the rise of one-pan meal trends in the late 20th century, making it a staple for busy families and college students.
• The original recipe can be easily customized by swapping beef for ground turkey, adding vegetables, or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
• Although this dish is often associated with Italian cuisine, the American version is uniquely its own due to the use of a simmered broth and the absence of traditional Italian pasta sauces like marinara or bolognese.

Conclusion

Easy skillet spaghetti is a perfect example of how a simple dish can become a family favorite. Its history, regional variations, and easy preparation make it an ideal meal for busy weekdays or laid-back dinners. Whether you're cooking for one or a crowd, this dish provides comfort, flavor, and minimal cleanupall in one skillet.

FAQ about Easy Skillet Spaghetti Recipe

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