Looking to shake up your pasta night with something smoky, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor? Cowboy Spaghetti is your go-to recipe. This Texan-inspired fusion of spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a kick of spice delivers everything you love about comfort food—just with a Western twist. It’s smoky, cheesy, tangy, and utterly crave-worthy.
What Is Cowboy Spaghetti?
Cowboy Spaghetti isn’t your average pasta dish. It draws its roots from the hearty, protein-packed meals cowboys used to cook over open flames. Today’s version modernizes that idea with pantry-friendly ingredients and layers of savory flavor. Think: chili-spiced tomato sauce, sautéed onions and garlic, Worcestershire for that rich umami kick, a touch of hot sauce, and melted cheddar or jack cheese.
It’s a weeknight dinner hero—fast, filling, and flavorful enough to please even the pickiest eaters. And yes, it’s absolutely as satisfying as it sounds.
Ingredient Breakdown: Flavor in Every Bite
Here’s a breakdown of the key players in Cowboy Spaghetti and what makes them work so well together:
Spaghetti (1 pound)
Classic spaghetti serves as the base. Its slightly chewy texture holds up well against the hearty sauce and meaty toppings. You can use regular or whole wheat.
Bacon (6 slices, chopped)
Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch and infuses the sauce with rich, savory depth. Reserve the drippings for extra flavor when sautéing onions and garlic.
Ground Beef (1 pound)
Lean ground beef makes the dish hearty and filling. It’s seasoned and browned until juicy and flavorful.
Onion (1 medium, diced)
Aromatics like onion create the savory foundation of the sauce. Yellow or white onions work well.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Garlic brings punchy flavor and enhances everything else in the pan.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz)
The tomato base gives the sauce acidity and moisture. You can use fire-roasted for extra smokiness.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz)
Adds body and thickness to the sauce, tying all the ingredients together.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
A key ingredient for cowboy-style flavor—it gives that deep, meaty undertone without overpowering the dish.
Hot Sauce (1 tsp or to taste)
A few dashes of hot sauce add heat and balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded)
Sharp cheddar melts into the spaghetti and also works beautifully as a topping. Use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for variation.
Green Onions (for garnish)
Fresh and slightly peppery, green onions cut through the richness and add a pop of color.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Classic seasonings for balance and flavor enhancement.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti – Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cowboy Spaghetti is a one-pot and one-pan kind of deal. It’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough for company.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions.
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Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
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Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
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Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
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Add ground beef to the pan.
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Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
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Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Step 6: Combine and Cheese It
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Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
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Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Serve and Top
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Divide into bowls or plates.
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Top with remaining cheese, crispy bacon, and sliced green onions.
Variations, Substitutions, and Tips
Cowboy Spaghetti is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to make it your own:
Flavor Variations
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Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 tsp chili powder and ½ tsp cumin to the beef for a more Southwestern vibe.
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BBQ Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce with the tomato sauce for sweetness and tang.
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Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the sauce.
Dietary Swaps
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Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
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Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
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Taste and adjust heat: Cowboy Spaghetti should have a little kick, but feel free to go mild or spicy depending on your crew.
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Make ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
When to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Cowboy Spaghetti is the kind of dish that suits almost any casual occasion:
Perfect For:
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Weeknight dinners: It’s quick, filling, and family-friendly.
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Potlucks and parties: Serve it from a slow cooker or casserole dish for easy self-serve meals.
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Game day: It’s like a chili-spaghetti hybrid, making it ideal for tailgating menus.
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Meal prep: Make a batch and portion into containers for lunch all week.
Nutritional and Health Notes
Cowboy Spaghetti is rich and hearty, but with smart ingredient swaps, it can work into balanced meal plans:
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Protein: With ground beef and cheese, it offers a satisfying amount of protein per serving.
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Carbs: Spaghetti brings complex carbs for energy—swap in whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
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Veggies: Add chopped vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
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Fat: Bacon and cheese are indulgent additions—moderate portions help keep things in check.
Want to lighten it up? Use lean beef or turkey, cut the cheese in half, and load up on veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
FAQ – Cowboy Spaghetti
1. Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is the most popular, but you can use Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or even a Mexican blend for added depth.
3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
You can! Cook the bacon and beef first, then transfer everything (including cooked pasta) to a slow cooker to keep warm for parties or gatherings.
4. Is Cowboy Spaghetti spicy?
It has a mild kick from hot sauce and Worcestershire. Adjust the hot sauce level or leave it out for a milder version.
5. Can I freeze Cowboy Spaghetti?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the meat sauce separately. Reheat and toss with fresh-cooked spaghetti for best texture.
6. What sides go well with Cowboy Spaghetti?
Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
7. Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely! Just reduce or omit the hot sauce and use a mild cheese. Most kids love the cheesy spaghetti and bacon combo.