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Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Hearty spaghetti loaded with smoky bacon, savory beef, and a bold, zesty tomato sauce. A crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner with Western flair.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz dried spaghetti
  • 4 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef 85–90% lean works best
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium if possible
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar divided
  • 0.5 cup sliced green onions for garnish
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped jalapeño optional, for heat

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  • Crisp the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer to a plate.
  • Pour off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add olive oil if needed.
  • Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Mix in tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring to coat the beef.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, hot sauce, paprika, and chili powder. Simmer 10 minutes.
  • Toss spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen as needed.
  • Fold in half the bacon and half the cheddar until melty.
  • Serve topped with remaining bacon, cheddar, green onions, and jalapeño if using.

Notes

For a creamier finish, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving. Swap cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice, or add canned corn for a subtle sweetness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.