Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that’s guaranteed to wrangle up smiles at your table? Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate mash-up of classic spaghetti and bold, smoky Western flavors. This isn’t your average weeknight pasta—think crispy bacon, tender ground beef, zesty fire-roasted tomatoes, and a generous layer of sharp cheddar all tangled up with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Every bite is a comforting, crave-worthy explosion that makes this dish an instant family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Spaghetti is in its simple, no-fuss ingredients—each one brings big flavor and just the right texture or color. From smoky bacon to tangy tomatoes, these staples come together for a memorable, satisfying meal.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The foundation—choose your favorite brand for a classic bite that holds up to hearty toppings.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to help the bacon crisp and veggies sauté without sticking.
- Bacon, chopped (6 slices): Adds a smoky crunch and unbeatable savory depth throughout the dish.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The star protein—feel free to swap in ground turkey or bison for a twist.
- Small Onion, diced (1): Gives a sweet, aromatic base that complements the meat and sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings the whole pot to life with its signature punchiness.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (15 oz can): For a smoky, tangy brightness you can’t get from regular tomatoes.
- Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Makes the sauce rich and coats every noodle perfectly.
- Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons): Deepens the flavor with a savory, almost umami accent.
- Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): For a dash of heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smoky flavor that ties it all together.
- Chili Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and color to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of your Cowboy Spaghetti.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the pasta and gives a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until just al dente—this way, the pasta will soak up all the saucy goodness later without getting mushy. Drain well and set aside, ready for the grand finale.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it sizzle until it’s irresistibly crispy. Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside (try not to snack on too much!). Leave a bit of that flavorful bacon fat in the pan—you’ll want it for the next step.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onions
Into the skillet goes your ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute, just until fragrant. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving on.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Now it’s time to build that signature Cowboy Spaghetti sauce. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if you like a kick), smoked paprika, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and let the whole mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Combine and Make It Cheesy
Add your drained spaghetti right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so each strand is coated. Stir in half the cheddar cheese—it’ll melt right in, making the pasta extra creamy and rich.
Step 6: Serve and Top It Off
Dish up the Cowboy Spaghetti while it’s piping hot. Pile on the remaining cheddar, scatter the crispy bacon, and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions. It’s ready to eat, and your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Garnishes
The finishing touches make Cowboy Spaghetti truly pop. Always top with the reserved cheddar cheese for that gooey, melty layer; don’t forget the crispy bacon bits for smoky crunch and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color. If you want to dial up the Western flair, a few slices of pickled jalapeño or a dusting of smoked paprika look and taste amazing.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with a few simple sides. Think buttery garlic bread for mopping up the sauce, a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or roasted corn on the cob for an extra cowboy-inspired touch. Even a scoop of tangy coleslaw adds a fun, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cowboy Spaghetti is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it family-style in a big skillet for a rustic, communal feel, or portion it into individual bowls topped with extra fixings. For a party, try small ramekins or mini cast-iron pans for a playful, Western-themed presentation. You can even bake it in a casserole dish with an extra layer of cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cowboy Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Let the Cowboy Spaghetti cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the green onion garnish and add fresh toppings when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings with a splash of water or warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Top with a sprinkle of fresh cheese and green onions to revive that just-made flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or any pasta you love—the sauce and toppings are delicious on just about anything.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you’d prefer to skip bacon, try diced smoked sausage or even vegetarian bacon bits for a similar smoky note. You can also just leave it out and amp up the smoked paprika for depth.
How can I make Cowboy Spaghetti spicier?
For more heat, add extra hot sauce, stir in chopped jalapeños, or use spicy sausage in place of ground beef. A little cayenne pepper in the sauce will also do the trick!
Is Cowboy Spaghetti gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses regular spaghetti, but you can easily make it gluten-free by choosing your favorite certified gluten-free pasta and double-checking that your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are gluten-free too.
Can I prep Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a day ahead, then combine and reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just wait to add the cheese and garnishes until the last minute for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a pasta night with a bold, comforting twist, Cowboy Spaghetti is the way to go. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavors everyone will love. Give it a try and get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!
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Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful American main course combining tender spaghetti with a rich sauce of ground beef, smoky bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy stovetop dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Ground Beef and Onions: Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is fully browned and onions are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine everything evenly. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Serve: Plate the cowboy spaghetti while hot, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions for added flavor and a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or bison to vary the protein content.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños into the sauce or swap regular bacon with spicy sausage.
- This dish reheats well and freezes easily, making it great for leftovers and meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
