If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, smoky, and packed with big Western flavors, Cowboy Spaghetti is about to become your new obsession. Picture a classic bowl of spaghetti, but all dressed up with crispy bacon, savory ground beef, a punchy tomato sauce, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This is comfort food that’s bold, fun, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest cowpoke in your home. Whether you’re wrangling a busy family meal or just looking to shake up your pasta routine, Cowboy Spaghetti brings the spirit of the open range right to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cowboy Spaghetti is how simple the ingredients are — every item is easy to find, but each one brings something special to the table. From smoky bacon to sharp cheddar, each piece builds that irresistible, layered flavor and color that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic base that soaks up all the hearty sauce and cheesy goodness.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds smokiness and crunch that takes this pasta to the next level.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Makes the sauce rich and satisfying; choose 80/20 for the best flavor.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (15 oz): Gives the sauce texture and a fresh tomato taste.
- Tomato Sauce (8 oz): Helps bind the sauce together for a silky finish.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Delivers umami and a tangy, savory edge.
- Hot Sauce (1 tbsp, optional): For those who like a little extra kick!
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Infuses the sauce with that signature smoky flavor cowboy recipes crave.
- Ground Cumin (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle earthy note.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts over the top for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Green Onions (2, sliced, for garnish): Lends a pop of color and freshness.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): For a final touch of vibrant green.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — you want it to have just a little bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it, since it’ll spend a little more time mingling with the sauce later on.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add your chopped bacon and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is golden and crispy, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the bacon bits and set them aside, but leave about a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pan — it’s the secret to a rich, smoky base.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
Toss the ground beef and diced onion into the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef as it browns and letting the onion soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal here is to create a deeply savory foundation for your Cowboy Spaghetti. Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives all those bold flavors time to blend into a thick, hearty sauce. If you love extra smokiness, now’s the time to add a dash or two of liquid smoke.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss well, making sure every strand is coated in that robust, meaty mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then scatter the crispy bacon back in. Give it all a gentle toss so you get a bit of everything in every forkful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melty and the pasta is steaming hot, finish your Cowboy Spaghetti with a generous handful of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately while all those flavors are at their boldest and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Garnishes
Cowboy Spaghetti begs for fresh, colorful toppings! A sprinkling of sliced green onions adds a sharp pop that cuts through the richness, while chopped parsley brings a little brightness and a touch of elegance. For a smoky flourish, you could even add a few extra bacon crumbles or a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but it truly shines alongside a crisp green salad or some classic garlic bread. The fresh crunch of a salad balances the savory pasta, while garlicky bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the sauce. If you want to keep things cowboy-style, serve with roasted corn or a scoop of baked beans for a fun Western-inspired plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, pile Cowboy Spaghetti into shallow bowls and top each one with a dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices. Hosting a gathering? Try serving it in a cast-iron skillet right on the table for a rustic, family-style feel. Or, transform leftovers into a baked pasta casserole by topping with extra cheese and popping it in the oven until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Spaghetti (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors often get even better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
Cowboy Spaghetti is freezer-friendly! For best results, store the pasta and sauce separately if possible, but you can also freeze it all mixed together. Place in a tightly sealed freezer container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it so you don’t forget about your cowboy treasure!
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring partway through to ensure even heating. A sprinkle of fresh cheese and green onions on top will bring it right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, Cowboy Spaghetti works beautifully with penne, rotini, or any hearty pasta that can hold up to the chunky sauce. Use whatever you have on hand and enjoy the same great flavors.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you like more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You could even toss in a diced jalapeño with the onion for an extra kick!
Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and toss everything together for a quick and easy meal.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten things up, try using lean ground beef or ground turkey, and swap out some of the cheese for a reduced-fat version. You can also add extra veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to bulk up the dish without extra calories.
Can Cowboy Spaghetti be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a flexible meal for a variety of diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bowl of something truly satisfying and a little bit different, Cowboy Spaghetti is calling your name. With its smoky, cheesy, and utterly comforting flavors, it’s a dish that brings people together and inspires second helpings. Give it a try — I have a feeling it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
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 and delicious American comfort food that combines crispy bacon, ground beef, and smoky spices with tender spaghetti noodles. This skillet dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat and Bacon
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Canned Goods and Sauces
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Brown the beef and sauté onions: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pan with the bacon grease. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and cooked through and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss spaghetti in sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce and toss gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the meat sauce.
- Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon evenly over the pasta. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and optional chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your cowboy spaghetti!
Notes
- For a smoky twist, try adding a few dashes of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to control the spice level.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
