If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s hearty, smoky, and downright irresistible, Cowboy Spaghetti is about to steal your heart (and your dinner table). Imagine twirls of spaghetti tossed in a rich, meaty sauce with the perfect balance of barbecue flavor, crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a kick of chili. It’s comfort food with a wild-west twist, and it never fails to bring smiles all around. This recipe is a personal favorite for weeknights, game days, or anytime you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Let’s dive into the magic of Cowboy Spaghetti together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Cowboy Spaghetti is hand-picked for flavor and texture, and together they create a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. The best part? Everything on this list is easy to find and truly essential for that signature taste.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): The classic base that soaks up all the tangy, smoky sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash to help brown the bacon and beef, adding depth and richness.
- Bacon, chopped (4 slices): Smoky, savory, and crispy, bacon is a must for that cowboy flair.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Hearty and satisfying, it forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Brings sweetness and a touch of crunch after sautéing.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, warming note.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): These give the sauce body and a fresh tomato bite.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Thickens the sauce and enhances the savory tomato flavor.
- Barbecue sauce (1/4 cup): Adds that signature smoky-sweet tang that makes Cowboy Spaghetti unforgettable.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts the umami and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): A gentle heat and earthy depth that ties everything together.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For an extra layer of smokiness that makes all the difference.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season as you go to pull all the flavors into focus.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts over the top for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens up every plate.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your spaghetti. Cook it until just al dente—remember, it’ll soak up more flavor in the sauce later. Once it’s ready, drain well and set aside, resisting the urge to rinse (those little bits of starch help the sauce stick).
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and cook until it’s deep golden and crispy. Scoop the bacon out and let it drain on a paper towel, leaving all those delicious drippings in the pan for the next step.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the bacon fat, breaking it up as it cooks. You want it nice and browned, with no pink left. This is where the rich, meaty flavor of Cowboy Spaghetti really starts to build.
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Stir in the diced onion and let it soften for about five minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and give everything a good stir. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently for ten minutes. The flavors will meld, the sauce will thicken, and your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are thoroughly coated in that smoky, savory sauce. This is where Cowboy Spaghetti becomes truly irresistible!
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Bacon
Stir in the crispy bacon, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. You can cover the skillet to let the cheese melt right in, or transfer to a serving dish and shower it with cheese and green onions. Serve hot and watch it disappear.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish to the rich, cheesy Cowboy Spaghetti. Don’t skip this step if you like a little crunch and brightness in every bite!
Side Dishes
Pair Cowboy Spaghetti with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted veggies to round out the meal. The fresh sides balance the hearty flavors and make for a truly satisfying dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, try serving Cowboy Spaghetti in individual bowls topped with extra cheese and bacon. Or, for a crowd, pile it high in a big serving platter and let everyone dig in family-style. Leftovers also make fantastic loaded spaghetti toasties or filling for stuffed peppers the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s just as tasty (if not more so) the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Cowboy Spaghetti, let it cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Cowboy Spaghetti in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. Stir well and top with a little fresh cheese or green onions to revive that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for Cowboy Spaghetti, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or any noodle you love. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh. The flavors of Cowboy Spaghetti adapt well to meatless versions without losing their punch.
What barbecue sauce should I use?
Go with your favorite barbecue sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or even chipotle for extra heat. Each type gives Cowboy Spaghetti its own personality, so try a few and see which you like best.
Can this be made ahead for a party?
Cowboy Spaghetti is perfect for prepping ahead! Make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving. Top with cheese and bacon after reheating for maximum freshness.
How can I make it spicier?
If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also serve Cowboy Spaghetti with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright joyful about a big bowl of Cowboy Spaghetti—comforting, bold, and just a little bit unexpected. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want to shake up pasta night, give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll be going back for seconds!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty American stovetop dish combining spaghetti with a flavorful mix of bacon, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and a tangy barbecue sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with green onions or parsley, this dish offers a smoky, savory twist on classic pasta, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat and Bacon
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Sauces
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings
- 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 Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a serving dish, top with cheese and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve: Serve the cowboy spaghetti hot for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, substitute chipotle barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for next-day meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
