Cowboy Spaghetti (Bold, Smoky, and Hearty One-Pan Dinner)

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Cowboy Spaghetti is a bold, no-frills twist on traditional spaghetti that swaps out Italian herbs for smoky bacon, ground beef, and a rich, chili-spiked tomato sauce. It’s loaded with Western flavor—think BBQ vibes meet pasta night. This one-pan, crowd-pleasing dish is packed with protein, layered with spicy depth, and finished with sharp cheddar, green onions, and crispy bacon.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game day spreads, or a filling family dinner, Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. It’s hearty, full of personality, and a total hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Overview

This dish uses affordable, everyday ingredients but transforms them with smoky spices and bold seasoning.

Ground Beef

  • 80/20 or lean ground beef: Forms the hearty base. Adds protein and richness.

  • Optional: Mix with Italian sausage or ground turkey for variety.

Bacon

  • Smoked bacon, diced and crisped: Brings depth, salt, and that unmistakable cowboy campfire flavor.

Aromatics

  • Onions and garlic: Essential savory base for the sauce.

  • Green onions: Fresh, crunchy, and great for topping.

Tomatoes

  • Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce: The sauce base.

  • Tomato paste: Adds concentrated umami.

  • Fire-roasted tomatoes (optional): Deepen flavor with a charred note.

Seasoning

  • Worcestershire sauce: Tangy-salty complexity.

  • Chili powder & smoked paprika: Signature cowboy flavor.

  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a kick.

  • Salt & pepper: To round out all flavors.

Pasta

  • Spaghetti or linguine: Holds sauce well, classic pairing.

  • Optional: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Cheese

  • Shredded cheddar: Sharpness and creaminess.

  • Optional: Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for extra spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the same skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Sauté Onions & Garlic

Add chopped onions to the beef and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.

5. Build the Cowboy Sauce

Stir in:

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 can crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes (14–15 oz)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1–2 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.

6. Add Pasta & Cheese

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melty.

7. Top & Serve

Serve hot with crispy bacon crumbles, extra shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

  • Reserve pasta water: Helps the sauce cling and stay silky.

  • Cook bacon first: Its rendered fat seasons the dish.

  • Let the sauce simmer: Deepens the flavors and reduces acidity.

Variations

  • Tex-Mex version: Add black beans, corn, and cumin.

  • BBQ-style: Stir in 2 tbsp BBQ sauce to the tomato base.

  • Baked cowboy spaghetti: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.

Substitutions

  • Ground turkey: For a leaner version.

  • Vegan swap: Use plant-based crumbles and dairy-free cheese.

  • Different pasta: Try penne, fusilli, or gluten-free spaghetti.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Casual Dinner or Weeknight Meal

Cowboy Spaghetti is fast, easy, and feeds a hungry crowd. Pair with:

  • A green salad with ranch dressing

  • Garlic bread or Texas toast

  • Pickles or slaw for crunch and contrast

Potluck Favorite

Make it ahead and serve from a slow cooker or casserole pan.

Game Day or Movie Night

Serve in bowls with extra bacon, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips on top.

Leftover-Friendly

Refrigerate up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of water. Great for lunch boxes or quick dinners.

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is high in protein and satisfying, but there are easy ways to lighten it up if needed.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 6)

  • Calories: ~560

  • Protein: ~28g

  • Carbs: ~45g

  • Fat: ~28g

  • Sodium: Moderate–High (from bacon and cheese)

Health Tips

  • Use turkey bacon or lean ground beef to reduce fat

  • Skip cheese in the sauce and just sprinkle on top

  • Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to stretch the dish and boost fiber

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes Cowboy Spaghetti different from regular spaghetti?

Cowboy Spaghetti uses ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, and chili-seasoned tomato sauce instead of Italian herbs. It’s smoky, tangy, and heartier.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready. It also holds well for meal prep.

3. Can I bake Cowboy Spaghetti?

Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese and bacon, and broil until golden and bubbly. Great for a crispy finish.

4. Is it spicy?

It can be! Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes to your spice preference. For kids, reduce or omit the spicy elements.

5. What other meats can I use?

Try ground sausage, pulled pork, or leftover brisket for a smoky BBQ spin.

6. Can I freeze Cowboy Spaghetti?

Yes. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with a splash of water or broth.

7. What can I serve with it?

  • Green salad

  • Garlic bread

  • Cornbread

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Baked beans for a full cowboy-style meal

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    Cowboy Spaghetti (Bold, Smoky, and Hearty One-Pan Dinner)

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    Cowboy Spaghetti is a smoky, cheesy twist on classic pasta—featuring bacon, ground beef, and a chili-spiced tomato sauce. Comfort food with Western flair, ready in under 40 minutes.

    • Author: Maya Lawson
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 30minutes
    • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    • 12 oz spaghetti

    • 6 slices bacon, chopped

    • 1 lb ground beef

    • 1 small onion, chopped

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)

    • 2 tbsp tomato paste

    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

    • 1 tsp chili powder

    • 1 tsp smoked paprika

    • ½ tsp salt

    • ¼ tsp black pepper

    • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

    • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

    • 2 green onions, sliced

    Instructions

    • Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain.

    • In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

    • Add ground beef to skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

    • Add onion and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes.

    • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer 10–15 minutes.

    • Add pasta to sauce. Stir in ½ cup cheddar and a splash of pasta water.

    • Serve topped with bacon, green onions, and remaining cheese.

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