Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty one-pan meal featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, spicy tomato and ground beef sauce with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions. This quick and easy skillet dinner delivers bold flavors with a smoky-sweet kick, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- Salt, for boiling water
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 slices thick bacon, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
Toppings
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 scallions, diced
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Meat and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large, deep, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain off most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about one tablespoon behind.
- Sauté Ground Beef and Onions: Add ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef into crumbles, for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is browned and no pink remains and the onions are softened. Drain off excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in sriracha hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about 6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the cowboy spaghetti among serving bowls. Top each serving with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced scallions, and reserved crispy bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious skillet meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If cheddar is unavailable, try using Monterey Jack or a mild cheese of your choice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a splash of cream or milk before the cheese can make the sauce creamier.
