If you’re searching for a bold, comforting dinner that will impress everyone at the table, Cowboy Spaghetti is a must-try recipe. This hearty classic combines the sizzle of bacon, savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and just the right amount of heat, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with melty cheddar cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a little western flair on a busy weeknight, Cowboy Spaghetti delivers big on flavor and even bigger on smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Cowboy Spaghetti brings something special, from color and texture to layers of unforgettable taste. With a mix of pantry staples and fresh must-haves, you’ll find this dish is as easy to pull together as it is satisfying to eat.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): The perfect base for catching all the saucy, meaty flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Kicks off the cooking and adds a hint of richness.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Brings irresistible smokiness and crispy texture.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Makes the spaghetti hearty and turns it into a full meal.
- Small onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that anchors the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the flavor with its signature savory kick.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Lend juicy bursts of tomato flavor and brightness.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 ounces): Helps create a silky, unified sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a rich umami depth to the meat.
- Hot sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds that subtle spicy note to wake up your palate.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Secrets a gentle smokiness without a grill in sight.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the sauce that Tex-Mex warmth and color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out all the big flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides just the right touch of heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Creamy, tangy topping that ties the whole dish together.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish): Adds a final pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start off by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. You want it tender but still with a slight bite, so it holds up beautifully when tossed with the hearty sauce. Drain well and set the cooked noodles aside while you build the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon strips until they’re golden and irresistibly crispy. Remove them to a plate lined with paper towels. The bacon not only adds crunch later, but the drippings also create a flavor-packed base for the following steps.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
If your skillet needs a little more lubrication, add a splash of olive oil. Then toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Make sure to get a deep brown color for that signature meaty flavor. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much in the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the onion turn soft and translucent and the garlic become fragrant. This melds the flavors and starts creating a seriously savory aroma.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for around 10 minutes so it thickens and all the flavors have a chance to mingle.
Step 6: Toss in the Spaghetti and Cheese
Add your cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat all the noodles thoroughly. Then stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese so it melts and mingles with the beefy, smoky sauce. This is where all those flavors start to cling to every strand of spaghetti.
Step 7: Serve and Top with Garnishes
Spoon the Cowboy Spaghetti into bowls or plates while piping hot. Sprinkle on the crispy bacon, the rest of the cheddar cheese, and a good handful of green onions or fresh parsley. The cheesy melt, crunchy bacon, and fresh herbs are what make this dish feel extra special every time.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Garnishes
Topping Cowboy Spaghetti with crispy bacon pieces, a generous sprinkling of extra cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions or parsley brings both color and complexity to every bite. If you want to turn up the heat, a few jalapeño slices or an extra dash of hot sauce really make it pop. Don’t be afraid to let everyone build their own finishing touches right at the table.
Side Dishes
This bold, protein-packed pasta pairs perfectly with lighter side dishes. Think crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrette, classic garlic bread, or even a simple bowl of roasted veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous, cornbread muffins or grilled corn on the cob will give your meal a true cowboy cookout flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cowboy Spaghetti in an oversized cast iron skillet for that rustic, family-style wow factor. For parties or potlucks, portion into mini cast iron pans or ramekins and broil for a few minutes to get a bubbly cheese crust on top. You can even swirl individual noodle nests on plates and pile the toppings high. It’s an easy way to make weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After everyone’s been served, let any leftover Cowboy Spaghetti cool to room temperature. Portion it into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even richer overnight, so leftovers are something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cowboy Spaghetti: just pack cooled portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or zip bags. To avoid mushy pasta, try undercooking the spaghetti by a minute or two before freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months and makes a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Reheating
Reheat Cowboy Spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or a spoon of tomato sauce to loosen it up. Give it a good stir halfway through and finish with another sprinkle of fresh cheese and a handful of green onions for that just-made freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! While spaghetti is classic, Cowboy Spaghetti is just as tasty with rigatoni, penne, or even rotini. Just choose a pasta shape that holds sauce nicely and enjoy the twist.
Is Cowboy Spaghetti very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy thanks to the hot sauce and chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Add more for a kick, or use less if you’re sharing with kids or sensitive eaters.
Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely. Prepare the recipe right up to the cheesy toss, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently and top with bacon and fresh garnishes before serving. People love it as a make-ahead dish for gatherings!
What’s the best cheese for Cowboy Spaghetti?
Cheddar is the gold standard for authenticity and meltiness, but you can experiment with pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend for more depth. Just shred it fresh for the best melting results.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap out bacon for turkey bacon, and opt for reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still have all the Cowboy Spaghetti flavor with a lighter nutritional profile.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring a hearty, home-cooked vibe into your kitchen with a big skillet of Cowboy Spaghetti. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that makes any night special, and I promise it’ll have your friends and family asking for seconds. Give it a try, make it your own, and saddle up for a new favorite dinner tradition!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish with a Western twist. This recipe combines spaghetti with ground beef, bacon, and a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the ground beef: Add olive oil to the skillet if needed, then cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, toss to combine. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot, topped with remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions or parsley.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers.
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