Packed with bold flavors, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe brings together smoky bacon, savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheddar cheese for a weeknight dinner that feels rustic, hearty, and totally satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and simple steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of western-style pasta that the whole family is sure to love—perfect for rounding up hungry appetites or sharing with friends around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with a handful of straightforward, approachable ingredients, each playing a distinctive role in building layers of flavor, texture, and even color. Don’t skip or substitute at random—these are the backbones of what makes Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe so crave-worthy!
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic strands soak up all the saucy goodness and provide the perfect pasta base.
- Thick-cut bacon (6 slices, chopped): Brings a smoky crunch and incredible depth to the dish—don’t be shy with this one!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds heartiness and makes the pasta irresistibly filling; feel free to use lean beef for a lighter touch.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Sweetens and rounds out every bite, melting into the sauce as it simmers.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that mouthwatering aroma and a subtle savory kick.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juices): Freshens things up with acidity and a rustic tomato texture.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz): Binds the sauce together for a luscious cling on every noodle.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Gives a signature depth and umami zing that’s simply irresistible.
- Hot sauce (1 tsp, optional): Optional, but perfect for those who like a little kick—tweak to taste!
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds a warm, smoky undertone that plays beautifully with bacon and beef.
- Chili powder (1/2 tsp): Offers a gentle background heat, enhancing all the cowboy flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): The simple finishers to perfect the seasoning of your sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts dreamily into the pasta, making it rich, creamy, and a little decadent.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, for garnish): For a fresh pop of color and oniony crunch right before serving.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe adventure by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente. This gives your noodles just enough bite and prepares them for soaking up all that delicious, hearty sauce. Once done, drain well and set aside—you’ll need them soon!
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, toss in the chopped thick-cut bacon and let it cook over medium heat. You’re looking for crisp, golden pieces that’ll add smoky crunch to every bite. Once the bacon is done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside, but leave all those flavorful drippings right in the pan—trust me, you’ll want them!
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add the ground beef and diced onion directly into those tasty bacon drippings, cooking everything together until the beef is browned and the onions are tender and aromatic—about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s extra grease, feel free to drain it so your dish doesn’t get too heavy.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now bring in the aromatics and flavor bombs: stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if desired), smoked paprika, chili powder, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, thickening beautifully while the flavors meld and deepen.
Step 5: Combine Everything
It’s time for that cowboy-worthy finish! Add the drained spaghetti to your skillet and toss it all together so every noodle gets coated in the rich, beefy sauce. Scatter the shredded cheddar and reserved crispy bacon over the top, then cover the pan for a couple of minutes until the cheese turns irresistibly melty.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Lift the lid and sprinkle everything with your chopped green onions. The pop of green is the finishing touch—a little fresh crunch on top of all that rustic comfort. Serve piping hot and get ready to dig into the ultimate Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe!
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
No cowboy meal is complete without a few finishing touches! After piling each serving high, sprinkle generously with those fresh green onions for crunch and color. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives can add a creamy note and a little visual flair.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is hearty all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, you can’t go wrong with classic sides. Try a crisp green salad for something cool and refreshing, or go all-in with buttery cornbread, roasted veggies, or even a simple coleslaw for big flavor and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Have some fun with presentation! For a family-style dinner, bring the skillet straight to the table for a rustic, homey feel. Hosting game night? Serve in individual cast-iron skillets or deep bowls, topped with extra cheese and bacon bits. Want to impress? Twirl spaghetti into “nests” and sprinkle with additional green onions and a dash of hot sauce—it’s the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe, but dressed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe keeps wonderfully for up to three days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more irresistible.
Freezing
Want to meal prep ahead? Portion cooled Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the green onion garnish; just add fresh onions after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen up the sauce. Mix well, heat until hot throughout, and top with fresh garnishes for that just-made flair.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe with a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap in linguine, penne, or even rotini—just make sure to cook it al dente and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
Is there a way to make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add extra hot sauce, sauté fresh or pickled jalapeños with the onions, or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the heat level to match your spice-loving heart.
Can Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. All other ingredients should fit easily into a gluten-free diet.
What other proteins can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for the beef. Each brings its own wonderful, unique flavor to the dish—choose whichever suits your taste or what you’ve got on hand.
How can I make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe ahead for a party?
Prepare the dish up to the point of adding cheese and bacon. Refrigerate, then reheat, add cheese and bacon, cover to melt, and finish with fresh green onions right before serving! This method keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious for your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a big, warm hug at the end of a long day, I can’t recommend this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe enough. It’s fun, filling, and always a hit with friends and family. So grab your skillet and gather your loved ones—this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cowboy Spaghetti recipe is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti, featuring bacon, ground beef, and a cheesy finish. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner!
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the beef and onion: Brown beef and onion in bacon drippings.
- Make the sauce: Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and simmer.
- Combine: Add spaghetti to the skillet, top with cheese and bacon. Cover until cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or increase the hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
