Cowboy Spaghetti takes everything you love about classic spaghetti, then lassos it up with smoky bacon, seasoned beef, barbecue sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese—creating a wild, flavor-packed twist that’s impossible to resist. This recipe is the ultimate hearty, satisfying meal for families craving big flavor without any fancy fuss. Whether you want a dinner that feels like a cozy campfire gathering or just need something new for busy weeknights, Cowboy Spaghetti always rides to the rescue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready for a pantry-friendly list of hero ingredients—each one delivers a punch of flavor, color, or texture, and they all work together to create the crave-worthy magic of Cowboy Spaghetti. Don’t skip a single one, as each plays its own delicious role in making this dish unforgettable.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The hearty foundation that soaks up all those bold, smoky flavors and keeps every forkful satisfying.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the beef cook up perfectly tender and adds a silky richness to the sauce.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Brings savory succulence—feel free to swap in ground turkey or sausage for a fun twist.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Absolutely essential for that deep, smoky, meaty note that sets Cowboy Spaghetti apart.
- Onion (1 small, diced): A mellow-sweet aromatic that rounds out every bite and melds beautifully with the beef.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds an irresistible punch of flavor—fresh is best for that savory hit!
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and southwestern flair.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives the spaghetti that signature smoky depth.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce and wakes up all the flavors.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Drop these in for a spicy kick if you like things a little fiery.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, with juices): Adds juiciness, tang, and a burst of color.
- Tomato Sauce (1/2 cup): The backbone of the sauce, bringing everything together in rich, savory harmony.
- Barbecue Sauce (1/4 cup): The secret ingredient for sweet, bold, and smoky dimension—choose your favorite brand.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory, slightly tangy depth that’s downright addictive.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into a creamy, cheesy topping for the ultimate finishing touch.
- Green Onions (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): Sprinkled on top, they add fresh color and a bright, peppery crunch.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of water to a rolling boil, generously salting it so the noodles soak up every bit of flavor. Toss in your spaghetti and cook until just al dente—no one likes mushy noodles! Drain well, set aside, and get ready to join all the bold flavors together.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook your chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s shimmering and perfectly crisp. The bacon bits will infuse your base with a smoky, salty richness. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set aside, making sure to leave that glorious bacon fat in the pan.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Pour in the olive oil, then crumble in your ground beef. Let it sizzle, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for a couple minutes until soft and fragrant—these aromatics are key to a well-rounded Cowboy Spaghetti sauce.
Step 4: Add Spices and Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in your chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and (if you’re feeling adventurous) those red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Give everything a big stir so the spices coat the beef and onions, unlocking their aroma. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juices and all), tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, then bring to a simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes to let all those flavors mingle and thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Cheese it Up
Add your cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, along with the crisped bacon. Gently toss everything together so the noodles are beautifully coated with the spicy, smoky, tangy sauce. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt right in for an irresistibly cheesy finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions if you like a pop of color and freshness. Now, pour yourself a big bowl and savor Cowboy Spaghetti in all its hearty, smoky, saucy glory.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Garnishes
The right toppings can elevate your Cowboy Spaghetti from delicious to downright legendary. A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or chopped parsley offers freshness to balance those bold flavors, while a dash of extra cheddar cheese or even crispy fried onions delivers indulgent crunch. For a true cowboy touch, a spoonful of pickled jalapeños adds heat and unexpected zing!
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty meal all on its own, but it loves company! Serve your Cowboy Spaghetti with a loaf of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce, or a cool, crisp salad featuring romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a bright vinaigrette for contrast. Cornbread, roasted veggies, or a side of classic baked beans all pair beautifully with the smoky, savory profile on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the Western theme by serving Cowboy Spaghetti in cast iron skillets, shallow bowls, or even miniature Dutch ovens for a rustic, campfire feel. For a family-style dinner, pile it high on a big platter and let guests help themselves. Hosting a party? Set up a DIY topping bar with bowls of chopped jalapeños, grated cheese, crispy fried onions, and hot sauce for a crowd-pleasing spaghetti night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cowboy Spaghetti holds up beautifully for leftovers—you might even find the flavors get richer overnight! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to scoop up plenty of sauce in each portion to keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead, it freezes nicely for future comfort meals. Simply cool the spaghetti completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and seal tightly. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, microwave individual servings (covered) in 1-minute bursts, stirring halfway, until piping hot. Prefer the stovetop? Add a splash of water or beef broth to a skillet, then stir in your Cowboy Spaghetti and heat gently over medium until everything’s steamy and the cheese is luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, penne, rotini, or any sturdy pasta shape will work just as well for Cowboy Spaghetti. Just aim to pick a style that holds up to the hearty sauce and meaty mix-ins.
What’s the best barbecue sauce for Cowboy Spaghetti?
Go with your favorites! A traditional sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is a safe bet, but spicy or tangy varieties are fantastic if you want more kick. If you’re serving kids, stick to a mild sauce for universal appeal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef and bacon for plant-based substitutes or sautéed mushrooms, and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. The smoky and spicy seasonings bring just as much flavor to your plant-based Cowboy Spaghetti!
Is Cowboy Spaghetti spicy?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The basic recipe has gentle warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can easily add or omit the optional crushed red pepper or use a spicy barbecue sauce to ramp up the heat.
How can I lighten up this recipe?
For a lighter take on Cowboy Spaghetti, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce the cheese a bit, and use whole wheat pasta. You can also toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and color!
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Spaghetti is high on flavor, big on comfort, and always a hit with family and friends. If you’ve been searching for a lively twist on tradition, or just need a dependable, no-fuss dinner that delivers every single time, you’ll love this recipe. Saddle up and give it a try—there’s a new favorite spaghetti night in town!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring ground beef, bacon, and a savory barbecue twist. This Western-style spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 oz spaghetti
Beef Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 4 slices bacon (chopped), 1 small onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Toppings:
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Brown ground beef in the same skillet with olive oil. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in spices, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine: Add cooked spaghetti and bacon to the beef mixture. Top with cheddar cheese and cover until melted. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use spicy barbecue sauce for a bold kick.
- Great with ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Leftovers reheat well and are even better the next day.
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