Ready to wrangle up some serious flavor on your dinner table? Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate mash-up of Western gusto and classic Italian pasta comfort. Imagine a bowl where smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese come together with saucy spaghetti to create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this meal captures the spirit of home-cooked goodness with a flavorful, down-home twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every simple ingredient in Cowboy Spaghetti packs a flavorful punch. From the deep smokiness of thick-cut bacon to the punchy pop of garlic and robust spices, each element brings something essential to the table, resulting in a truly unforgettable meal.

Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic foundation that soaks up all the saucy, beefy flavors for that perfect fork-twirl bite.
Thick-cut bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds smoky depth and irresistible crispness to every bite—don’t skimp on this for true cowboy flavor!
Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty hero of the dish, turning your spaghetti into a robust, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Onion (1 small, diced): Provides subtle sweetness and blends beautifully with the meats and sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Two cloves are just enough to give the dish a warm, savory base without overpowering it.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Brings juicy texture and a touch of tang to balance the richness of the meats.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Adds a silky component that binds all the flavors together.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): The secret ingredient for deep, savory undertones that set this spaghetti apart.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the sauce a gentle kick that evokes that cowboy campfire spirit.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the bacon.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to round out and balance all the bold flavors.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts right into the pasta for creamy, savory goodness in every bite.
Green onions or parsley (chopped, optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the finished dish.

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This is your base—drain the pasta well and set it aside. By prepping the noodles first, you’ll be ready to toss them into the warm, savory sauce as soon as it’s ready, ensuring they soak up every bit of flavor.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Next, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add in your chopped bacon. Fry the pieces until they’re golden brown and deliciously crispy, stirring occasionally so nothing burns. Once the bacon is done, scoop it out onto a plate lined with a paper towel, but leave about a tablespoon of those magical drippings in the pan—trust me, you’ll want that flavor boost for the next step.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In the same pan of bacon drippings, add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it sizzle until the meat is deeply browned and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of excess fat, go ahead and drain some off. The fond (those tasty browned bits) left in the pan will add even more flavor to the Cowboy Spaghetti sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Stir in your diced onion and minced garlic with the browned beef. Sauté everything together for about three minutes, just until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This quick step builds the savory foundation of your sauce.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix and let the sauce simmer gently for ten to fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally. This time allows all those cowboy-inspired flavors to meld together into something truly special.

Step 6: Marry the Spaghetti and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti into your skillet or Dutch oven and toss everything thoroughly so each strand is coated in the flavorful, beefy sauce. Stir in half the crispy bacon and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as the cheese starts to melt and the bacon gets evenly distributed—this is where the magic really starts to happen.

Step 7: Add the Final Touches

Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese and bacon right on top, then cover the skillet for a minute or two to let the cheese get gooey and melty. Finish it all off with a shower of chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve your Cowboy Spaghetti piping hot and dig in!

How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti

Garnishes

Cowboy Spaghetti loves a good finishing flourish! Try a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions for a zesty bite, or a handful of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herby freshness. For an extra kick, add a few sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, some buttery garlic bread, or even classic cornbread—each makes a fantastic partner for the hearty, bold flavors of Cowboy Spaghetti. A crisp, snappy veggie side like roasted green beans or steamed broccoli is perfect for balancing out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dress up your Cowboy Spaghetti for a crowd? Serve it family-style in a big, rustic dish with tongs for self-serve fun. Or for a party, pile portions into individual cast iron skillets, top with extra cheese, and run them under the broiler for a bubbly finish. You can even scoop it into pre-baked bread bowls for a playful, edible twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some Cowboy Spaghetti left? Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and you’ll have a ready-made meal that stays tasting great for up to four days. The flavors will deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as satisfying as the first serving.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled Cowboy Spaghetti into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to two months with minimal loss of taste or texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheating Cowboy Spaghetti is a breeze. Warm single servings in the microwave, covered, until hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. For larger portions, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Top with a little extra cheese to refresh the melty magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even a fun shape like rotini. The most important thing is making sure the pasta you choose can hold up to that hearty, beefy sauce.

Is there a way to make Cowboy Spaghetti spicier?

If you’re after more heat, toss in some diced jalapeños, chopped chipotle peppers, or red pepper flakes into the sauce. You could also opt for a spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese for even more kick.

Does Cowboy Spaghetti work well for meal prep?

Definitely! Cowboy Spaghetti holds up wonderfully for meal prep. Just cool and portion it into containers—it’s easy to reheat for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week, and the flavors only deepen over time.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you’re out of Worcestershire, try a mix of soy sauce and a dash of balsamic vinegar, or even a touch of barbecue sauce. Each brings a unique layer of umami and tang to the dish.

Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti vegetarian?

You sure can! Use your favorite plant-based ground meat or crumbled tempeh, and swap in vegetarian bacon or smoked mushrooms for that signature smoky flavor. The rest of the ingredients can stay the same and you’ll still get a hearty, satisfying result.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crew after a long, busy day or just craving some big, bold comfort food, Cowboy Spaghetti always delivers a plateful of smiles. There’s something about the blend of smoky bacon, cheesy goodness, and zesty sauce that makes hearts and bellies happy. Give it a try this week—you’re in for a real treat!

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring bacon, ground beef, and a savory tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Bacon and Beef Mixture:

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Bacon and Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside. Cook ground beef in the same skillet until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce, mix well. Stir in half of the cooked bacon and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top. Cover until cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions or parsley.