Spaghetti with Beef and Peppers

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the 1 sliced onion and 2 sliced red bell peppers, cook until softened and lightly charred, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.

Step 4

Add the 1 lb ground beef to the empty side of the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with the 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Step 5

Stir the beef and vegetables together. Add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything until well combined and the sauce coats the pasta, about 1-2 minutes. Add more pasta water if needed.

Step 6

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.