Name: Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped); 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

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If you crave big flavors and hearty, no-fuss comfort food all in one bowl, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite! With tender spaghetti tangled in a smoky, beefy tomato sauce laced with crispy bacon and topped with cheddar and green onions, every forkful brings a taste of the wild west straight to your table. Ready in just over half an hour and cooked in one skillet, it’s the perfect all-in-one meal for families and busy nights. Give this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe a whirl and prepare for a stampede at the dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe comes together with simple, everyday kitchen staples, each one playing a crucial role in capturing those bold, savory flavors. Every ingredient not only adds its own unique punch but also builds layers of taste, texture, and incredible color.

Spaghetti (12 oz): Go for regular or whole wheat spaghetti—this forms the hearty base that soaks up all the sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté your bacon and beef to golden perfection.
Thick-cut bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible smoky, salty flavor and a crisp bite that’s classic to cowboy cooking.
Ground beef (1 pound): Gives richness and substance, but you can swap for turkey if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to your sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced for that punchy, savory aroma.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Brings juiciness and bursts of tomato flavor throughout the sauce.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Gives a smooth, velvety consistency while boosting the tomatoey base.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Packs a concentrated, bold flavor punch—don’t skip this for the richest sauce!
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds deep, tangy, umami undertones with a hint of sweetness.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild, warming kick; up the amount if you like a little more heat.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Smoky, earthy, and utterly essential for that cowboy campfire spirit.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the bold flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a little bite and brightness for balance.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey, savory bliss—use extra sharp for more zing!
Green onions (2, sliced): Bright and fresh, tossed on at the end for crunch and color.

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually about 9–11 minutes, until perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside—don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water, just in case your sauce needs loosening up later!

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it sizzle away, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. The rendered bacon fat is absolute flavor gold—don’t drain it!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Using the same skillet (and all that delicious bacon drippings), add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and let it cook undisturbed for a minute or so to develop some color, then continue cooking until browned all the way through. If there’s excess grease, spoon some out for a lighter result.

Step 4: Add Onion and Garlic

Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, just until it’s softened and starting to get sweet and translucent. Next comes the garlic—add it in and sauté for 30 seconds, letting that unmistakable aroma float through your kitchen.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, then add the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The blend of spices and sauces is what gives this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe its trademark smoky, tangy, slightly spicy character. Let your sauce gently simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and intensify. Stir occasionally!

Step 6: Bring it All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet of bubbling sauce. Toss everything with tongs or a big spoon until each strand is coated in that cowboy-worthy sauce. Stir the cooked bacon back in and give everything one final toss.

Step 7: Top and Garnish

While the spaghetti is still piping hot, shower it with shredded sharp cheddar and let it melt ever so slightly into the sauce. Right before serving, sprinkle on the green onions for a fresh finish and a pop of color. Just look at those vibrant greens against the cheesy, saucy tangle!

How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

Go big with toppings—this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe begs for a generous shower of extra cheddar and sliced green onions. If you like a little spice, consider a few shakes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on top. Even a dollop of sour cream or a scatter of fresh cilantro can add a cool, creamy contrast that takes each bite to the next level.

Side Dishes

Balance out your bowl with sides that complement the hearty, bold flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, cornbread muffins, or classic garlic bread are all fantastic choices. For something lighter, roasted or grilled vegetables work beautifully, lending sweetness and color to your dinner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To amp up the fun, serve the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls for a true western feel. For parties, try twirling little spaghetti nests onto appetizer spoons, topping them with extra bacon and cheddar as bite-sized starters. You can even pile everything onto a big platter, sprinkle with all your favorite garnishes, and let everyone dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge! Transfer cooled servings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and get even better as they sit, so you’re in for a tasty lunch the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for later, cool the spaghetti completely before packing individual servings in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best results, leave off the cheese and green onion garnish until after reheating. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

The Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe reheats easily on the stovetop over low heat, with an extra splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. Alternatively, microwave individual bowls in short bursts, stirring in between, until steaming hot. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of cheddar and green onions for the full experience.

FAQs

What makes Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe different from regular spaghetti?

This recipe is all about those extra layers of smoky, savory flavor from bacon, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. The combination is a bold twist on traditional spaghetti, making it meatier, richer, and uniquely western-inspired.

Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors from the sauce and spices, just with less fat. Be sure to season well, as turkey is milder than beef.

Is Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe spicy?

As written, the recipe is mildly spiced—just enough to add warmth, not heat. If your family loves more of a kick, you can definitely add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You bet! You can cook the sauce a day ahead, then simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. Add your cheese and green onions just before serving to keep everything fresh and melty.

What’s the best way to make this recipe kid-friendly?

Kids tend to love Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe as is, but you can skip the chili powder or use a mild version. You might also serve the cheese and bacon on the side, letting little ones add their favorites on top. It’s a highly customizable, family-favorite meal!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about wrangling together a skillet full of saucy noodles, smoky meat, and gooey cheese—and this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe nails it every time. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make over and over, sharing second helpings and big smiles all around. Give it a try and let this crowd-pleaser become a new staple at your dinner table!

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Satisfy your hunger with this hearty Cowboy Spaghetti recipe. A flavorful combination of beef, bacon, and spices, all tossed with spaghetti and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Touches:

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the sauce: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then brown ground beef. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, sauce, paste, Worcestershire, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Combine: Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce, mix in bacon, and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Garnish with green onions.