Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender spaghetti with a savory sauce of ground beef, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and a bold blend of spices. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meats
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to be added later.
- Brown the meats: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped bacon, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat all the pasta evenly. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
- Melt cheese topping: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, creating a rich and creamy finish.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños with the chili powder.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a splash of cream or milk when melting the cheese creates a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
