Cowboy Spaghetti is a robust and hearty dish that combines the classic comfort of spaghetti with the bold flavors of the American West. This unique twist on traditional spaghetti features a smoky, spicy tomato sauce loaded with ground beef, bacon, and a kick of jalapeños, all topped with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Perfect for a filling family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or simply when you’re in the mood for a flavorful pasta dish with a bit of a twist, Cowboy Spaghetti is sure to satisfy your hunger and spice up your mealtime routine.
The adventure of creating Cowboy Spaghetti began on a chilly evening when the craving for something different from the usual pasta fare struck. Inspired by the bold flavors of the Southwest and the comforting familiarity of spaghetti, I decided to merge the two into a dish that was both familiar and excitingly new. The result was a deliciously hearty meal that warmed us from the inside out and brought a taste of cowboy culture to our dinner table.
This dish quickly became a favorite in our home, cherished for its ability to bring together diverse flavors in a comforting and satisfying way. It’s a reminder of the joy of culinary exploration and the endless possibilities that come from combining different culinary traditions to create something truly special.
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Spaghetti
- Bold and Flavorful: Packed with smoky, spicy flavors that elevate the traditional spaghetti experience.
- Hearty and Satisfying: A filling meal that combines pasta, meat, and cheese for a complete and comforting dish.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a hungry crowd, pleasing both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients Notes For Cowboy Spaghetti
- Ground Beef: The base of the sauce, providing richness and protein.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.
- Jalapeños: Bring a spicy kick, which can be adjusted according to your heat preference.
- Tomato Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, enriched with spices and seasonings.
- Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika adds complexity to the sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty topping that complements the spicy and smoky flavors.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice, but feel free to substitute with your preferred type.
Recipe Steps
- Cook the Bacon: Start by frying bacon pieces until crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In the same pan, cook the ground beef, adding onions, garlic, and jalapeños until the meat is browned.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, cooked bacon, and spices to the pan. Let the sauce simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and serve hot.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for longer storage. Thaw and reheat, then mix with freshly cooked pasta.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 lb (450g), cooked al dente according to package instructions
- Bacon: 8 slices, chopped
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced (optional)
- Canned diced tomatoes: 28 oz (with juice)
- Tomato sauce: 15 oz
- Barbecue sauce: 1/2 cup (choose your favorite brand for the best flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Sliced green onions: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Sauces:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine with Spaghetti:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to combine. Let it simmer for a few more minutes so the spaghetti absorbs some of the sauce flavors.
- Add Bacon and Cheese:
- Stir in the cooked bacon. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit on low heat until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti hot, garnished with sliced green onions on top.
