Gather around, because this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is exactly the kind of comfort food that brings people together. Imagine the smoky pull of bacon, hearty ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a tangle of spaghetti—all tossed in a sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat. Finished with melted cheddar and a shower of green onions, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish with a Western twist. If you’re craving a cozy, filling dinner that feels like a treat but comes together quickly, this is the recipe you’ll want to keep close at hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is all about bold flavors and everyday ingredients playing together in one irresistible pot. Each component does something special—from crunch and color to depth and richness—so grab your favorites and let’s get cooking.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Classic long noodles are perfect for soaking up every ounce of the smoky, cheesy sauce.
- Ground beef (1 pound): A hearty base that brings protein and satisfying flavor to each bite; feel free to use lean or regular beef depending on your preference.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Smoky, crispy, and utterly essential for that unmistakable cowboy touch—don’t skip this!
- Onion (1 small, diced): Sweet and tender, onion adds a hint of sharpness that brightens the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic deepens the savory undertones and makes everything taste better.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, undrained): The juicy tomatoes build a bright, chunky sauce.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Adds silkiness and helps bind all the flavors together.
- Ketchup (¼ cup): Brings a touch of sweetness and tang to balance the smoky notes.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami depth—just a splash goes a long way toward big flavor.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): The spice that gives it that cowboy kick, without being overwhelming.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): For a gentle smoky hug that enhances the bacon and beef.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A little spice goes a long way for extra warmth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Because every great pasta dish needs the right amount of seasoning.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melty, gooey cheddar seals the deal—trust me, you want lots of it.
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish): A peppery pop of color and freshness if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it until it’s just al dente—still with a little bite—because it’ll get even more flavor when tossed with the sauce later. Once done, drain it well and set it aside for the grand finale.
Step 2: Sizzle the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s irresistibly crispy. You want those smoky edges and lots of fat rendered—don’t toss that flavorful bacon grease! Set the bacon aside on a paper towel–lined plate, but save about a tablespoon of that beautiful bacon drippings in the pan.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
Into the skillet go your ground beef and diced onion. Break the beef up as it cooks and let the onion soften, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once the beef is brown and the onion is tender, drain off any excess grease so your sauce isn’t too heavy.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the pan and let its aroma bloom for about a minute. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it bubble away for 10 minutes—enough time for the flavors to get to know each other.
Step 5: Bring it all Together
Grab your cooked spaghetti and add it straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss and turn until every noodle is fully coated. Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and stir just until it melts and makes everything wonderfully creamy.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Scatter the crispy bacon over the top and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of green onions for color and crunch. Serve it up piping hot, right from the skillet, and watch as everyone dives in for seconds.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic finish, pile on more shredded cheddar, green onions, or extra crispy bacon bits. If you want a little heat, try sliced jalapeños or a dusting of red pepper flakes for your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. Fresh cilantro, parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream can also jazz up your plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta is almost a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. If you’re feeding a crowd, cornbread or classic dinner rolls on the side brings an even more comforting, down-home vibe to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe into a festive family night by serving it straight from the skillet at the table. For a party or potluck, try making spaghetti cups in muffin tins—just swirl portions into the tins, top with cheddar and bacon, and broil until golden for a playful twist. Or, dish it up in bowls for easy, cozy eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe keeps like a champ! Once cooled, transfer any extras to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors really deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.
Freezing
Want to make a double batch? This recipe freezes neatly—just let it cool, then place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags. It’ll keep for about two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick weeknight reheat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your spaghetti gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works, too, especially for single portions—just cover with a microwave-safe lid so it warms evenly and stays moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap in linguine, rigatoni, or any other favorite long or short pasta. The key is to cook it al dente so it can hold up in the sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for reduced-fat cheddar. Substitute turkey bacon if you’re after something still smoky but a bit lighter.
How spicy is the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
It’s on the mild side, with flavor rather than heat. But you’re the boss! Boost the chili powder or add red pepper flakes if you crave extra spice, or leave it as is for a kid-friendly dinner.
Can I prepare Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then store separately. When ready to eat, combine, reheat with a splash of water as needed, and add the cheese and bacon just before serving.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire, try a splash of soy sauce with a little hot sauce or even barbecue sauce. It will add the same umami depth to your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Once you give this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe a whirl, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your family’s dinner rotation. It checks all the boxes: big flavor, easy cleanup, and plenty of happy faces around the table. Saddle up and dig in—you’ll want to make this one again and again!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cowboy Spaghetti recipe is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti, featuring ground beef, bacon, and a rich tomato sauce with a hint of smoky spice. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon and beef: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Brown ground beef and onion in bacon grease. Drain excess fat.
- Make the sauce: Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine: Toss cooked spaghetti in sauce. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve: Top with bacon and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Ground turkey or sausage can be used instead of beef.
- This dish reheats well and makes tasty leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
