Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish combining ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with a touch of Southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Brown the Meat and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped bacon, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until both are browned. Drain excess fat carefully to maintain flavor without greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes softened and translucent, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta strands evenly and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh herbal touch. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the sauce.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or diced onion.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use a leaner ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.
- Fresh cheddar cheese yields the best melting texture but pre-shredded works well too.
- Parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
