If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm, hearty hug after a long day, look no further than this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender ground beef, smoky bacon, and bold spices all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and melted cheddar cheese. Each forkful is brimming with comforting flavors and satisfying textures, making it an absolute favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is simple to pull together yet rewards you with richness and depth that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward yet packed with purpose, coming together to build layers of taste, texture, and color that truly shine. From crispy bacon for that irresistible crunch to the vibrant burst of diced tomatoes, each element plays its part wonderfully.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The base of the dish, cooked al dente to hold the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté ingredients and add a touch of fruity richness.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky, crispy texture and deep savory flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and creates a meaty, satisfying sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of aromatic warmth.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and freshness.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Adds body and a rich tomato flavor.
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: Infuses smoky sweetness and a hint of tang.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami and savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Delivers subtle heat and southwestern flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky undertones beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted creamy goodness for richness.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti until it reaches that perfect al dente texture — tender with just a little bite. Drain it carefully and set it aside while you prepare the delicious sauce and toppings.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the chopped bacon. Cook it until crispy and golden, letting the fat render out into the pan. Remove the bacon pieces and keep them aside, but don’t clean out the pan; that flavorful fat will be the foundation for the rest of your sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Using the bacon fat and olive oil, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned all over, releasing mouthwatering aromas — this is where the dish starts to come alive.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion to soften and sweeten for about five minutes. Once translucent, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This builds layers of flavor that carry through the whole dish.
Step 5: Combine the Sauces and Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for ten minutes. This slow mingling time is key so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss it well to coat every strand with that rich, meaty sauce. Stir the crispy bacon back in, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pan and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts smoothly into the dish, creating that irresistible gooey finish.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe visually and flavor-wise with chopped green onions or fresh parsley sprinkled on top. They add a crisp, fresh note and an inviting pop of color that makes every plate look special.
Side Dishes
This cowboy-style spaghetti pairs delightfully with a simple green salad tossed in light vinaigrette or any fresh vegetable side like steamed broccoli. Cornbread or garlic bread also make excellent companions, soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic baking dishes straight from the oven. You could even layer it in a casserole style, topping with extra cheese and baking until bubbly and golden for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making a quick and satisfying meal whenever you need one.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave portions covered until warmed through, topping again with extra cheese if you like.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well, as do plant-based crumbles if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times slightly to make sure your protein is fully cooked and flavorful.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Choose a barbecue sauce that you enjoy eating on its own, ideally one with smoky, tangy notes. For an extra kick, chipotle-based sauces add a smoky spiciness that really complements the chili powder and smoked paprika.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not overwhelmingly so. The chili powder and smoked paprika bring warmth and mild complexity without intense heat. You can always add cayenne pepper if you like things spicier.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy?
Cooking the spaghetti al dente is critical; it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Also, toss it with the sauce immediately but avoid overcooking once combined to maintain the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is like inviting a little bit of cozy comfort to your dinner table, with flavors and textures that bring everyone together. It’s straightforward, hearty, and truly satisfying — a go-to dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Grab your skillet, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a plate of this delicious, cheesy delight!
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
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty American main course that combines al dente spaghetti with a flavorful sauce made from ground beef, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and a smoky barbecue twist. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optionally garnished with green onions or parsley, this dish offers a comforting, savory meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
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 the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles thoroughly with the sauce.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for a few minutes. Alternatively, transfer the spaghetti to a serving dish, top with cheese and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve: Serve the cowboy spaghetti hot and enjoy this smoky, cheesy comfort food classic.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, substitute chipotle barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for meal prep or next-day meals.
