Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a smoky, spiced tomato sauce loaded with ground beef and bacon. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this easy-to-make dinner brings a bold, comforting taste of the American West to your table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped bacon, cooking them together until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meats. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Toss with spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt, creating a luscious cheesy topping.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cheesy spaghetti for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting cowboy-inspired dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can provide additional heat if desired.
- For a smoky flavor boost, use smoked cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
