Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Spaghetti

Category: Indulge in Timeless American Comforts

Savor tender ground beef infused with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of chili, all coating strands of al dente spaghetti. This easy dinner uses pantry staples to create deep flavor in under 40 minutes. Finish with vibrant green onions and nutty sesame seeds for extra color and crunch. The balance of sweet and savory with a subtle spicy kick makes this comforting dish both addictive and speedy, perfect for busy evenings. Feel free to swap in your favorite noodles or toss in vegetables for a wholesome twist. Fast, full-flavored and sure to satisfy.

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Updated on Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:39:14 GMT
Spicy honey garlic beef spaghetti. Save
Spicy honey garlic beef spaghetti. | krispyrecipes.com

This noodle dish marries everything I crave on a busy weeknight sweet sticky beef laced with honey and garlic woven through springy spaghetti and a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds. It is a fusion favorite that never lasts long around my kitchen table.

I first made this because my family could not agree on takeout so I tried this at home and now they always request this when craving a little spice.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: choose freshly ground beef for juiciness and flavor look for bright red color with some marbling
  • Garlic: fresh cloves add a punchy aroma mince just before cooking for best flavor
  • Soy sauce: go for naturally brewed soy sauce for deep savory notes avoid overly salty varieties
  • Honey: a little sweetness gives the sauce its signature stickiness try to use wildflower or clover honey for a richer taste
  • Rice vinegar or white vinegar: brings acidity and brightness opt for unseasoned varieties
  • Sesame oil: just a drizzle for that nutty warmth choose toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor
  • Chili flakes: use crushed red pepper and adjust the quantity to your spice preference
  • Salt and pepper: a pinch heightens all the flavors use fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if you can
  • Spaghetti: classic Italian style spaghetti for springy texture buy good quality wheat pasta for best results
  • Olive oil: coats the noodles and helps everything come together
  • Green onions: fresh and crisp these brighten the finished dish select firm stalks with bright green tops
  • Sesame seeds: totally optional but add crunch and a pretty finish use untoasted seeds for a milder touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and stir well to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente then immediately drain in a colander. Toss with olive oil so the strands do not clump and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl combine soy sauce honey rice vinegar sesame oil and chili flakes. Whisk thoroughly until honey is dissolved and the mixture is uniform. Taste and adjust chili flakes if you want it spicier.
Brown the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium high and add a touch of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant but is not browned. Crumble in the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the meat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through with no pink bits remaining.
Simmer the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture bubble gently for 5 to 7 minutes stirring frequently. As it cooks the sauce will thicken and turn glossy coating the beef in a sticky glaze.
Mix with Pasta:
Add the drained and oiled spaghetti to the skillet. Using tongs or two large forks toss everything together so each strand is slicked with sauce and beef is evenly distributed. Scatter in the green onions and mix again just until wilted and fragrant.
Finish and Serve:
Divide the beefy noodles among bowls while they are piping hot. Sprinkle with additional green onions and a shower of sesame seeds if you like extra crunch and color. Serve right away for best flavor.
A person is eating spaghetti with meat and sauce. Save
A person is eating spaghetti with meat and sauce. | krispyrecipes.com

One of my favorite things here is the honey it caramelizes a bit in the pan and gives the beef a glossy almost barbecue like stickiness. My youngest always tries to sneak extra green onions on top she just loves the crunch and color.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. The beef and sauce reheat beautifully in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing if you have already tossed with noodles as pasta texture may suffer.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten free version swap in tamari and your favorite gluten free spaghetti or rice noodles. Ground turkey or chicken works instead of beef for a lighter option. You can swap honey for maple syrup if needed and use apple cider vinegar if rice or white vinegar is not on hand. Soba noodles are a fun twist and cook quickly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own but pairs well with a crisp cucumber salad or some steamed broccoli for more veggies. For extra richness top with a fried egg. If you like more heat pass chili crisp or sriracha at the table. These noodles also travel well in lunch containers.

A bowl of spaghetti with meat and sauce. Save
A bowl of spaghetti with meat and sauce. | krispyrecipes.com

Cultural and Flavor Inspiration

This recipe honors classic Asian flavor combos with a twist. Soy garlic honey and chili are a beloved quartet across Korean and Chinese cooking and blending them with Italian pasta makes the dish both familiar and exciting. The sticky beef glaze could easily top rice but with spaghetti it turns into pure comfort food fusion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another type of noodle?

Absolutely, you can substitute spaghetti with soba, rice noodles, or any pasta of your choice for a different texture.

→ How spicy does this dish get?

Chili flakes add moderate heat; adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit for a milder result.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and swap soy sauce for tamari to make this meal suitable for gluten sensitivities.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Certainly! Steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or snap peas mix in easily and boost the nutrition and color.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, both the sauce and beef can be cooked ahead and combined with fresh noodles before serving.

Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Spaghetti

Ground beef tossed in sticky honey-garlic-soy glaze over spaghetti for a sweet, savory kick in every bite.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min

Recipe Category: Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: Pan-Asian Fusion

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Beef & Sauce

01 400 g ground beef
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 3 tablespoons soy sauce
04 2 tablespoons honey
05 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
06 1 teaspoon sesame oil
07 1 teaspoon chili flakes
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta

09 300 g spaghetti
10 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnish

11 2 green onions, finely sliced
12 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well, toss with olive oil, and set aside.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes until well combined.

Step 03

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.

Step 04

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.

Step 05

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in the sliced green onions.

Step 06

Plate the spaghetti. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onion slices if desired. Serve hot.

Additional Notes

  1. For variation, substitute spaghetti with soba or rice noodles. Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or snap peas for extra vegetables. Suitable for advance preparation and reheating.

Required Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowl

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains gluten from soy sauce and spaghetti. Use tamari and gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 30 g