If you’re craving a meal that wraps bold, smoky flavors and hearty, comforting textures all into one pot, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, combining crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce with a hint of barbecue magic. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or friends, this dish comes together quickly and delivers an irresistible taste of down-home goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with everyday ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component plays its part, from the smoky bacon adding crispness, to the ground beef creating a meaty foundation, and the combination of spices giving the sauce that signature cowboy kick.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand for that perfect al dente bite.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds a smoky crunch that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 lb ground beef: The heart of the dish, bringing meaty richness and bulk.
- 1 small onion, diced: Sweetness and depth to build layers of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that fragrant, savory punch in every bite.
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Provides a tangy, robust base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Infuses smoky, slightly sweet complexity.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smoky note.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a gentle spice kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts deliciously over the top for a creamy finish.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Freshness and a pop of color.
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional): Brightens the dish visually and adds herbal notes.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain it well and set it aside—this pasta will soon meet its flavorful match in the sizzling sauce.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
Next, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s beautifully crisp. The bacon fat will become your secret weapon for building incredible flavor, so resist the urge to drain it all away. Once crispy, scoop out the bacon pieces and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onion
Using the bacon fat left in the pan, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened, releasing its natural sweetness. Drain any excess fat if it feels too greasy—this helps keep the dish balanced but still rich.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Aromatics
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. This quick step elevates the aroma and layers in subtle depth that you’ll love as it simmers.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and tomato paste, then sprinkle the smoked paprika and ground cumin over the mix. Stir everything well and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This simmering melds all those flavors into a sauce that’s smoky, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced.
Step 6: Season and Incorporate Bacon
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to your taste, then fold the crispy bacon back into the pan. This is where the dish really starts to come together, packing in a mouthwatering smoky flavor.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss thoroughly until every strand is coated generously. This step ensures that each bite bursts with robust, cowboy-inspired flavors.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet and lower the heat. Let the cheese melt softly into the dish, or if you want a bubbly, golden finish, pop the skillet under a broiler for a few minutes. This cheesy layer creates the perfect creamy contrast to the smoky sauce.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions and optional chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve this hearty Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe hot, and get ready for compliments all around the table.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions add a crisp, mild bite that balances the richness of the dish, while chopped parsley or cilantro brings a refreshing herbal note and a burst of color. These simple garnishes elevate the final presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cowboy-inspired pasta pairs wonderfully with crunchy coleslaw, a simple leafy green salad, or even cornbread for a true taste of southern comfort. Keeping sides light and fresh helps balance the meal without overwhelming the bold flavors of the spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, serve the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe right from the skillet at the center of the table. Alternatively, create individual servings in shallow bowls and finish each plate with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a swirl of barbecue sauce for dramatic flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe freezes well, too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap it for penne, rotini, or even egg noodles depending on what you have on hand or your texture preference.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, the spices like smoked paprika and cumin add warmth and depth without overwhelming heat. You can always adjust seasoning to your taste or add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a little more kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, try replacing the ground beef and bacon with plant-based meat alternatives or adding sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies like bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best?
Use your favorite variety, but a smoky or slightly sweet barbecue sauce complements the dish best. Avoid overly tangy or spicy sauces unless you want to customize the flavor profile.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! Making the sauce a day ahead lets the flavors develop even further. Just store it separately and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. It’s approachable, comforting, and bursting with flavor, making it a guaranteed favorite in your dinner rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and invite a few hungry friends over—you’re about to create one delicious memory.
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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
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheddar cheese tossed with spaghetti. Ready in just 35 minutes, this comfort food classic is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat and Protein
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown Beef and Onion: Add ground beef and diced onion to the same pan. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and develop flavors.
- Season and Add Bacon: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and mix into the sauce.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta. Allow it to melt over low heat, or place the skillet briefly under a broiler to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve the cowboy spaghetti hot for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To save time, cook bacon and beef simultaneously in separate pans if preferred.
