If you’re craving a dish that brings together hearty flavors, smoky goodness, and comforting pasta all in one pot, then this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s a wonderfully rustic meal that mixes crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-barbecue sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti, topped off with melty cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining satisfying textures and bold tastes that instantly make you feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients that pack big flavor. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the smoky bacon adding crunch, the spices creating depth, or the cheddar cheese delivering that irresistible creamy finish.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, great for soaking up all those rich flavors.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky crispiness and a savory punch.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant depth that enhances the sauce.
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The tomato base that balances the smoky and savory elements.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet kick that’s signature to this dish.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and warmth.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh, mild bite.
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the rich, flavorful sauce that will tie everything together.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. This step is crucial because the bacon fat left behind will add incredible flavor to the rest of the dish. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but don’t discard the flavorful drippings.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Using the bacon drippings, add the ground beef and diced onion to the pan. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. This is when the base flavors start building, so get ready for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about one minute until fragrant. Garlic is one of those magic ingredients that instantly elevates the dish with its warm, inviting scent.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the sauce to life! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and tomato paste, stirring everything together. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and ground cumin to add layers of smoky and earthy flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Add Bacon Back
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your liking. Once the taste is just right, stir the cooked bacon back into the pan, infusing the sauce with its smoky crunch and savory goodness.
Step 7: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Next, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss everything well to ensure the noodles are generously coated with the luscious mixture. This step makes sure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and sauce. You can let it melt slowly on low heat for a creamy finish or place the entire pan under a broiler briefly for a bubbly, golden-brown crust that’s downright irresistible.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The green onions sliced on top add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish. If you want to brighten things up even more, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro works wonders. These garnishes bring a little freshness that balances the smoky and cheesy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp garden salad or buttered corn on the cob. For a more indulgent meal, try serving it alongside creamy coleslaw or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cowboy spaghetti in individual oven-safe bowls topped with cheese and broiled to perfection, creating personalized cheesy casseroles. Or, use a cast-iron skillet to present the dish right at the table, adding to the rustic charm that makes this recipe so special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cowboy spaghetti keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months by placing cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to prevent drying out.
Reheating
Reheat the cowboy spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwaving works well—cover the dish to retain moisture, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this cowboy spaghetti recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild smoky flavor with warmth from paprika and cumin, but no strong heat. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want a spicier kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and omit the bacon, or use smoked tempeh for that smoky element. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Use a barbecue sauce that you enjoy eating on its own—whether sweet, tangy, or smoky, it will influence the final flavor. A thicker sauce helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and melt the cheese just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and reduces last-minute work.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious cowboy-inspired feast!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful one-pan pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, ground beef, smoky spices, and tangy barbecue sauce with tender spaghetti noodles. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, this comforting meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
- Brown the ground beef and soften onion: In the same pan with the bacon fat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. If there is excess fat, drain it off carefully to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add sauces and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Season and reintroduce bacon: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the cooked bacon pieces back into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure all noodles are coated evenly with the rich sauce.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Allow it to melt slightly over low heat or place the skillet briefly under a broiler to melt and lightly brown the cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and optional chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- If you want a richer cheese topping, consider mixing mozzarella with cheddar.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for the next day.
- Optional herbs like parsley or cilantro add a fresh finish but can be omitted if preferred.
