This Easy Asian Ground Beef Spaghetti combines tender noodles with flavorful ground beef and a tasty sauce. It’s a fun twist on regular spaghetti that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti noodles: Regular spaghetti works well, but feel free to swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your needs!
Ground beef: Lean ground beef is my go-to for this dish, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium in check. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative if that’s a concern.
Oyster sauce: This adds a wonderful umami flavor. If you’re vegetarian or allergic, you can try mushroom sauce instead, which has a similar taste profile.
Brown sugar: For a hint of sweetness, brown sugar works great. You could substitute honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly for This Dish?
Cooking ground beef not only adds protein but also creates a flavorful base. Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- First, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the oil; this prevents the beef from steaming.
- After adding the ground beef, let it sear for a minute before breaking it up; this helps develop flavor.
- Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if there’s more than a tablespoon to keep the dish light.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have juicy, flavorful beef ready for your easy Asian spaghetti dish!
Easy Asian Ground Beef Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Sauté them until fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up while cooking it until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, don’t forget to drain it!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to coat the beef evenly with the sauce.
5. Combine with Broth:
Pour in the beef broth or water to loosen the sauce a bit, and stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Toss with Spaghetti:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring that the noodles get coated in the delicious sauce and heat through. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Easy Asian Ground Beef Spaghetti hot! Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and a lovely presentation.
Enjoy your savory, satisfying Easy Asian Ground Beef Spaghetti!
FAQ for Easy Asian Ground Beef Spaghetti
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta of your choice, such as linguine, udon, or rice noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well, or you can use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian dish. Just ensure they are cooked through as per the package instructions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle some sriracha or chili oil over the dish before serving. Adjust to your personal taste!