Ready for a hearty Southern twist on pasta night? Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti is a bold, saucy celebration perfect for anyone who loves smoky barbecue flavors and tangled, saucy noodles—think classic Italian comfort meets the irresistible spirit of a Memphis BBQ joint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Signature Memphis Flavor: Tangy barbecue sauce, tender pulled pork, and smoky undertones make this spaghetti unlike anything else in your pasta rotation.
- Total Comfort Food: It’s rich, filling, and completely satisfying—perfect for cozy family dinners or a quirky dish to impress friends.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single pot, so prep and cleanup are a snap (more time for seconds!).
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you use leftover barbecue or make it fresh, this recipe adapts beautifully to your favorite ingredients and toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients for Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti, but don’t let the short list fool you—each one layers on flavor, texture, and that signature sweet-smoky punch. Here’s what you need and how each piece plays its part.
- Vegetable oil: For sautéing your veggies to a golden, savory base.
- Red onion: Brings a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with barbecue sauce.
- Green bell pepper: Adds fresh crunch and classic barbecue color.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Diced tomatoes: Lends brightness and texture to the tomato-based sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a hearty, velvety canvas for all those bold flavors.
- Garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder: Essential Italian spices that bridge the gap between barbecue and spaghetti.
- Barbecue sauce: The star that turns everyday spaghetti into a true Memphis masterpiece—choose your favorite style!
- Pulled pork: Tender, smoky, and hearty—if you have leftovers, this is truly their time to shine.
- Spaghetti: Our pasta of choice, chosen for its perfect saucy twirl-ability.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti is how easy it is to riff on the basics and make it your own. Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge or making tweaks for dietary preferences, this dish is all about flexibility!
- Chicken or Brisket Swap: Substitute the pulled pork with rotisserie chicken or leftover brisket for an equally delicious spin.
- Vegetarian BBQ Spaghetti: Omit the meat and stir in sautéed mushrooms or barbecue jackfruit for a hearty, plant-powered option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce for fiery Memphis heat.
- Pasta Variety: Try this with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free noodles—just don’t skimp on the sauce!
How to Make Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti
Step 1: Build the Savory Base
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced red onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and just begin to caramelize—this creates an aromatic, slightly sweet foundation for the sauce. Don’t forget to add the minced garlic for the last minute or so, stirring until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Smoky Barbecue Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder, and that generous cup of barbecue sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let the sauce bubble away for about 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible as all the saucy flavors meld together!
Step 3: Toss with Pasta & Pulled Pork
Add your cooked spaghetti and pulled pork directly into the pot with the sauce. Use a pair of tongs to gently toss until every strand of pasta is coated and the pork is evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to sneak a taste—this is when the magic happens!
Step 4: Finish & Garnish
Transfer the Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti to a big serving bowl or individual plates. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce, sprinkle on a bit of reserved pulled pork, and get ready to dig in. It’s bold, saucy, and all-out irresistible!
Pro Tips for Making Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti
- Choosing Your Barbecue Sauce: Opt for a rich, smoky Memphis-style sauce—homemade or store-bought both work, but flavors really matter here.
- Leftover Pulled Pork Shortcut: This recipe is a lifesaver for leftover BBQ—just shred any extra pork and you’re halfway to dinner!
- Sauce Consistency: Let your sauce simmer uncovered for thicker, rib-sticking results, or keep it a little runny if you love an extra-saucy pasta.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti just to al dente so it won’t turn mushy when tossed with the robust sauce.
How to Serve Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti
Garnishes
Extra barbecue sauce is a must for drizzling—just a little over the top for glossy finish and sweet heat. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a handful of thinly sliced pickled red onions for brightness. If you want even more Southern flair, a dusting of sharp cheddar or a dollop of coleslaw on the side is amazing!
Side Dishes
Balance out your hearty Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti with a crisp green salad, crunchy garlic bread, or some Southern-style sides like baked beans or creamy coleslaw. A tall glass of sweet tea fits the vibe perfectly—and makes dinner feel like a backyard feast, even indoors!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, casual crowd, serve this spaghetti right from the pot garnished with extra pork and BBQ sauce, family-style. Or, plate in shallow bowls with a swirl of barbecue and a sprinkle of green onions. You can even pile Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti onto toasted buns for out-of-this-world barbecue spaghetti sandwiches at your next cookout!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti keeps well tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might find it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe is totally freezer-friendly! Cool it completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or barbecue sauce if needed to loosen it up. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and taste for seasoning—just as delicious as day one!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce, or should I make my own?
Store-bought barbecue sauce works beautifully for Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti, especially if you pick one with a tangy, slightly sweet profile. If homemade is your style, go for it—custom sauces can really kick up the authenticity!
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What’s the best way to cook pulled pork for this recipe?
You can use leftover smoked or oven-braised pork shoulder, or buy pre-made pulled pork from your local market. Just avoid anything overly saucy so you can control the flavor of the finished dish.
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Does this reheat well for meal prep?
Absolutely! Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti is a fantastic make-ahead meal—just keep sauce and pasta tossed together, and add a little extra barbecue sauce before reheating if it seems dry.
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Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! While spaghetti is traditional, penne, rotini, or even gluten-free noodles all work well—just make sure to cook them until al dente so they hold up under all that saucy goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s both wildly comforting and just a little bit unexpected, you can’t go wrong with Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti. This dish brings the best of barbecue and pasta together in one irresistible bite—give it a try, share it with friends, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 35m
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4 – 6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A unique twist on traditional spaghetti, Memphis Barbecue Spaghetti combines the flavors of barbecue with classic Italian pasta for a delicious fusion dish.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz. diced tomatoes
- 28 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for garnish
For Assembly:
- 16 oz. pulled pork, reserve some for garnish
- 12 oz. spaghetti, cooked
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, saute onion, peppers, and garlic in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until soft and slightly browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder, and 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Simmer and cook for 30 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss cooked spaghetti and pulled pork in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with extra barbecue sauce and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
