Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

If you’ve never tasted Cowboy Spaghetti, get ready for a pasta adventure brimming with bold, smoky flavor and hearty comfort. Picture a classic spaghetti night, but saddled up with sizzling bacon, ground beef, barbecue sauce, and a blanket of cheddar cheese—each bite hits all the savory-sweet notes you love from your favorite backyard cookout, with a twirl of spaghetti as the star. This is the kind of meal that makes everyone gather a little closer around the table, swapping stories and digging into second helpings without hesitation. It’s a weeknight dinner hero and a weekend treat all in one cowpoke-approved skillet.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cowboy Spaghetti is how it comes together from such honest, everyday ingredients—but each one is essential for nailing that unforgettable mix of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for making every element count.

• Spaghetti: Go for classic or whole wheat—these long noodles soak up the smoky sauce perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the spaghetti from sticking and adds a hint of richness to the pasta.
• Thick-cut Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and essential for that cowboy flair—don’t skip the thick-cut!
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for meaty depth without too much grease.
• Onion: Brings a sweet, mellow background that balances the barbecue tang.
• Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic add aromatic punch and warmth.
• Diced Tomatoes (with juices): These make the sauce robust and just the right level of chunky.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds body and a bright, tomato-y base to the sauce.
• Barbecue Sauce: The secret ingredient for that irresistible smoky-sweet twist.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash deepens the savory flavors and boosts umami.
• Chili Powder: For gentle heat and a hint of earthy spice (not just for chili!).
• Smoked Paprika: This spice delivers smoky dimension in every bite—don’t substitute plain paprika here.
• Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop—taste before adding more at the end.
• Black Pepper: A little savory heat, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar is the finishing touch—use freshly shredded for the smoothest melt.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkled over top, they add color, crunch, and a fresh kick.

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. You want the noodles tender but with a little bite, so don’t overcook! Drain them and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until every piece is golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving just about a tablespoon of that magical bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into the bacon fat and break it up as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease if you’d like a lighter sauce. This step lays down the hearty, meaty foundation that gives Cowboy Spaghetti its satisfying richness.

Step 4: Sauté Onion & Garlic

With the beef still in the pan, stir in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute, just until you can really smell that inviting aroma wafting up from the skillet.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Time for all the good stuff! Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juices included), tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let everything simmer gently for 8–10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and fill your kitchen with the unmistakable scent of comfort food in the making.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked spaghetti to your skillet of sauce and use tongs to toss until every strand is coated in that bold, tangy goodness. Stir in half the crispy bacon and half the cheddar cheese—watch that cheese turn irresistibly melty as you mix!

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Scatter the remaining cheddar and bacon over the top of the skillet, then sprinkle on those lively green onions. Serve Cowboy Spaghetti immediately while the cheese is gooey and warm—you’ll want to dig in right away!

How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti

Garnishes

Garnishing Cowboy Spaghetti is your moment to add color and even more texture. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar and chopped green onions is classic, but you can also kick up the heat with diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh cilantro or parsley is another bright option if you want to sneak in a little greenery—just let your tastebuds guide you!

Side Dishes

Cowboy Spaghetti is practically a meal all on its own, but it pairs especially well with a crisp green salad or classic garlic bread—the freshness balances the hearty flavors. Cornbread muffins or roasted veggies can also round out the spread, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cowboy Spaghetti dinner into an experience! Serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic look, or twirl each portion into individual pasta bowls for a touch of restaurant flair. For parties, set up a DIY topping bar with extra bacon, cheese, pickled jalapeños, and green onions so everyone can dress their bowl just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Cowboy Spaghetti cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. Tucked away in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers surprisingly crave-worthy!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Cowboy Spaghetti for later, portion it into freezer-safe containers after cooling. It’s best to keep the garnishes separate for the freshest taste and texture. Frozen Cowboy Spaghetti will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm Cowboy Spaghetti gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to loosen things up, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual bowls in short bursts, pausing to stir until piping hot. Add fresh green onions and bacon on top for that just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point before adding the final cheese and bacon topping, then refrigerate. Before serving, reheat, sprinkle on the toppings, and finish under the broiler for a melty, fresh finish.

What’s the best type Main Course

The barbecue sauce you choose has a big impact on flavor. Go with your personal favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet all work beautifully in Cowboy Spaghetti. Even a homemade sauce or a mix of two can be fantastic.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While spaghetti is classic, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even rigatoni if you prefer. Just make sure the pasta can soak up plenty of that smoky, meaty sauce.

How do I make this dish a little spicier?

If you like things hotter, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in some diced jalapeños when you add the onions. You can also top your bowl with hot sauce for more pop.

Is Cowboy Spaghetti suitable for kids?

Kids typically love Cowboy Spaghetti because it’s cheesy and mild with a sweet barbecue flavor. If little ones are heat-averse, just skip any extra spices and keep the toppings on the mild side.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the irresistible combo of smoky, cheesy, and saucy in Cowboy Spaghetti—it turns a simple dinner into something memorable every single time. Go ahead and round up the ingredients, gather your hungry crowd, and let this hearty pasta ride right into your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

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