Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

This Cowboy Spaghetti recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty and flavorful twist on classic spaghetti, with ground beef, crispy bacon, a touch of spice, and a generous amount of cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices creates a rich and savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
  • Hearty and satisfying: This spaghetti dish is a complete meal in itself, with plenty of protein and carbohydrates to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
  • Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and comes together in just 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: You can easily adjust the spiciness and toppings to your liking.

Ingredients for Cowboy Spaghetti

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Dry Spaghetti: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef.
  • Bacon: Diced bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor.
  • Lean Ground Beef: Adds a hearty protein boost.
  • Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor to the sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall taste.
  • Sriracha Hot Sauce: Adds a spicy kick.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, savory note.
  • Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Crushed Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a smoky sweetness and a touch of acidity.
  • Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich and flavorful tomato base.
  • Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy, melty topping.
  • Scallions: Adds a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef

While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, deep, nonstick skillet. Add the diced bacon and cook until brown and crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain off most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in the sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve the spaghetti in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved crispy bacon, and chopped scallions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Bacon: You can use any type of bacon you like, but thick-cut bacon adds a nice smoky flavor.
  • Spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking.
  • Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
  • Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings, such as jalapeños, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
  • Weeknight dinner: This spaghetti dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
  • Casual gathering: It’s also a great option for a casual get-together or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cowboy Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti squash.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the ground beef and bacon on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the flavors have melded.

My Cowboy Spaghetti is a bit dry, what should I do?
If your dish is a bit dry, you can add a splash of broth or water to moisten it up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and bacon and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Cowboy Spaghetti. I hope you enjoy it!

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Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. It features a rich and spicy tomato-based sauce with ground beef, bacon, and a touch of sriracha, all tossed with spaghetti and topped with cheddar cheese and scallions.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound dry spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 slices thick bacon, diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 scallions, diced

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Bacon and Beef: In the meantime, heat olive oil in a large, deep, nonstick skillet. Add the bacon and cook until brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain off most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add ground beef and onions to the skillet; sauté, breaking up the beef into crumbles, for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s browned and no pink remains, and the onions have softened. Drain off grease. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Make Sauce: Stir in the sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Let gently bubble and simmer for about 6 minutes until thickened slightly.
  4. Combine and Serve: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce; toss to combine. Taste and adjust any seasonings, if needed. Serve pasta in bowls. Grate fresh cheddar cheese over the pasta and sprinkle with scallions and the reserved crisp bacon. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe, but spaghetti is recommended.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
  • Cheese: You can use your favorite type of cheese for this recipe.
  • Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings, such as jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 500kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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