Name: Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Get ready to wrangle up some delicious flavors with Cowboy Spaghetti! This hearty, bold pasta dish is packed with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend with friends. Cowboy Spaghetti brings together the comforting goodness of a classic spaghetti dinner with the gutsy punch of a western-inspired skillet—guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cowboy Spaghetti are both simple and essential—each one brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a smoky note, a zesty kick, or a rich texture. Don’t skip out on any of these, because every component helps build that signature flavor!

Spaghetti (12 oz): The base of the dish, soaking up all the bold, beefy sauce and holding everything together beautifully.
Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Brings irresistible smokiness and a bit of crunch—save some for sprinkling on top!
Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty backbone of Cowboy Spaghetti, making each bite extra satisfying.
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth, melting right into the savory sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For a punch of aromatic flavor that ties the whole dish together.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Provides freshness and a bit of tang to balance the richness.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Gives the sauce body and a velvety texture.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds deep, savory umami that takes the sauce to the next level.
Hot Sauce (1 tbsp, optional): For those who like a spicy kick—adjust to your taste!
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Infuses the dish with a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
Ground Cumin (1/2 tsp): Lends earthy, warm notes that complement the beef beautifully.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts over the top, adding gooey richness and a pop of color.
Green Onions (2, sliced, for garnish): Brightens up the final dish with fresh crunch and color.
Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions. You’ll want it al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the hearty sauce. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside—don’t worry if it cools a bit, it’ll warm back up in the skillet!

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and cook your chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s perfectly crispy. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and the bacon fat left behind will add loads of flavor to the rest of the dish. Scoop out the bacon and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of that delicious bacon grease in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Onion

Into the same skillet, add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. If you have any excess fat, feel free to drain it off, but leave enough to keep things juicy and flavorful.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute, letting it get fragrant without burning. Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, and season with salt and pepper—this is when the kitchen starts smelling like pure comfort.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if you’re feeling spicy!). Give everything a good stir, then let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors can mingle and deepen.

Step 6: Combine with Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the rich, meaty sauce. This is where Cowboy Spaghetti really comes together—the sauce clings to every strand, ensuring big flavor in each bite.

Step 7: Cheese, Bacon, and Garnishes

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, followed by the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Let the cheese melt into gooey goodness, then finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve hot and dig in!

How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti

Garnishes

The perfect Cowboy Spaghetti isn’t complete without its signature finishing touches. Top each bowl generously with green onions for a burst of freshness, more crispy bacon for crunch, and a scattering of chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. You can even add a little extra cheddar if you want to go all out!

Side Dishes

Cowboy Spaghetti is a meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a crisp green salad or a basket of warm, buttery garlic bread. The fresh salad helps cut through the richness, while the bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that smoky, beefy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Cowboy Spaghetti family-style in a big cast-iron skillet right at the table. Or, pile it high in individual bowls and let everyone customize their toppings—think jalapeños, extra cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream. For parties, try serving it in mini mason jars for a playful, portable presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Cowboy Spaghetti, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce together, but hold off on garnishes like green onions and parsley until you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Cowboy Spaghetti gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely and heat until piping hot. Don’t forget to refresh your garnishes!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti gives this dish its name, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even gluten-free noodles if that’s your preference. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up to the hearty sauce.

Is Cowboy Spaghetti spicy?

The spice level is totally up to you. The hot sauce is optional, so you can leave it out for a milder version or add more if you like things with a kick. Smoked paprika adds warmth without heat, so the base recipe is pretty family-friendly.

Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! Cowboy Spaghetti is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Just add your garnishes fresh to keep them vibrant and crisp.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal for Cowboy Spaghetti because it stays nice and meaty after crisping up, but any favorite bacon will do. If you like things extra smoky, try using a hickory-smoked or peppered variety!

Can I add vegetables or beans?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, corn, or even black beans for a Tex-Mex twist. Just add them when you sauté the beef and onions so they get tender and flavorful along with the rest of the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s big on flavor, comfort, and a little bit of adventure, Cowboy Spaghetti is calling your name. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a new favorite at your table. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful American skillet dish combining crispy bacon, savory ground beef, smoky spices, and tender spaghetti all tossed in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting main course is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz spaghetti

Meat & Protein

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb ground beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tomato Base

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

Seasonings & Sauces

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Cook bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
Brown beef and sauté onions: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the meat.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce if using, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly.
Finish with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon evenly over the pasta. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the dish.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.