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.
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
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.