Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti Recipe

Get ready to meet your newest weeknight hero: Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti! This irresistible, flavor-packed dish is the ultimate mashup of Southern barbecue and hearty Italian comfort. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together and will absolutely satisfy any craving for something bold, smoky, and just a bit unconventional. Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti delivers tender pulled pork tangled in saucy spaghetti, all enveloped in a sweet and tangy barbecue-kissed tomato sauce. If you love smoky barbecue—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?—this pasta will become a quick favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the essentials and their roles in this epic dish:

• Vegetable Oil: For sautéing your veggies and giving everything a touch of richness.
• Red Onion: Brings sweetness and depth (don’t skip—it’s a flavor builder!).
• Green Bell Pepper: Crunchy, classic Southern flavor. Adds freshness and color.
• Garlic Cloves: You know it’s not real comfort food without a good hit of garlic. Add extra if you’re as obsessed as I am.
• Diced Tomatoes: These provide that punchy, bright tomato base.
• Tomato Sauce: Delivers a silky, luscious texture that ties your sauce together.
• Garlic Powder: Gives an extra layer of savory oomph and melds the sauce flavors.
• Dried Oregano & Dried Basil: Classic Italian herbs, because barbecue spaghetti is all about fusion.
• Onion Powder: Softens and rounds out the flavors, especially important for those sweet barbecue undertones.
• Barbecue Sauce: The heart and soul of this recipe. Pick your favorite (something sweet, smoky, or spicy) for loads of personality.
• Pulled Pork: The showstopper—smoky, tender, and full of flavor. This is a perfect way to use up leftovers or grab ready-made pulled pork.
• Spaghetti: Classic, no-nonsense pasta. It stands up to thick, hearty sauce, and who doesn’t love twirling noodles?
• Tip: Keep a little extra barbecue sauce and pulled pork nearby for topping each serving.

Variations

• Switch the Meat: Don’t have pulled pork? Try shredded rotisserie chicken, brisket, or even smoked tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Heat It Up: Add a dash of cayenne, sliced jalapeños, or a smoky hot barbecue sauce if you want some kick.
• Go Veggie: Skip the meat and stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted eggplant, or even black beans for a satisfying, smoky meatless version.
• Pasta Swap: Not a spaghetti fan? Use penne, rigatoni, or spiral pasta for a fun twist.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or smoked gouda on top and let it melt before serving for irresistible gooeyness.

How to Make Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the red onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, stirring occasionally. Let everything cook until the veggies are tender and starting to brown around the edges—the aroma alone will let you know you’re on the right track.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, basil, and onion powder. Next, stir in a generous cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Give everything a good mix, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let that sauce bubble away gently for about 30 minutes. Give it a taste and tweak the seasonings or add more barbecue sauce if you’re feeling bold.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Pulled Pork

Add your cooked spaghetti and most of the pulled pork directly to the sauce. Use a pair of tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are beautifully coated and the pork is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Pile the barbecue spaghetti into bowls or plates. Garnish with extra pulled pork and a drizzle of barbecue sauce for maximum impact. Serve immediately and watch those forks start twirling.

How to Serve

Serve Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti hot, right after tossing everything together, and don’t be shy about piling on extra pulled pork and a drizzle of barbecue sauce as a finishing touch. It’s great on its own but pairs incredibly well with classic Southern sides:

• Coleslaw: The cool crispness is amazing next to the saucy, smoky pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Mop up that extra sauce—trust me, you’ll want every bite.
• Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños: For a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
• Simple Green Salad: Adds freshness and lightness to balance out the hearty flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the pasta deliciously moist, so leftovers are something to look forward to.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container (skip the last garnish), seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can also microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway through for an even reheat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love big flavor but don’t have time for big effort, Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s hearty, a little unexpected, and undeniably delicious—a perfect collision of barbecue magic and weeknight practicality. Gather your ingredients, make it your own with bold sauces or simple tweaks, and serve up a comforting dish everyone at the table will remember. Give it a try this week—there’s a good chance you’ll be making it again soon!

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