If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that captures the bold, comforting spirit of the Wild West in a single bowl, the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. This hearty pasta combines crispy bacon, savory ground beef, smoky spices, and a tangy, rich sauce all tossed with spaghetti for a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe delivers an irresistible cowboy-style dining experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe plays an essential role in creating a dish that’s robust, flavorful, and satisfying. From the smoky bacon that adds a crispy, savory crunch to the blend of tangy sauces that bring all the flavors together, keep an eye on these simple yet impactful ingredients.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, perfectly cooked al dente to absorb the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and sauté the onions without sticking.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds irresistible smoky crunch and depth.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and meaty flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture, softening as it cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatic, savory background flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices: Brings freshness and juiciness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Creates a smooth base and rich tomato flavor.
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: Adds tangy, smoky notes that define the cowboy flair.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami and balances the savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky warmth and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all flavors into balance.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for creamy richness.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herbal garnish for freshness.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente — tender yet firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This step ensures your pasta is perfectly ready to soak up all the cowboy goodness coming next.
Step 2: Crisp up the bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s delightfully crispy. This bacon isn’t just a garnish but a flavor bomb in your sauce. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and drain all but a tablespoon of fat from the pan to keep your dish from getting greasy.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef and sauté onions
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and toss in the ground beef with diced onion. Cook this mixture until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are tender, releasing their sweetness — usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This process develops rich flavors that become the heart of your cowboy spaghetti sauce.
Step 4: Add garlic and simmer the sauce
Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute to unlock its fragrance. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and the reserved crispy bacon. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and all those flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Season and combine with spaghetti
Season your sauce with salt and pepper to taste, giving you full control over the seasoning. Finally, toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and stir well to coat every strand with the smoky, tangy, beefy sauce. This step is where all components come together to create the magic of the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 6: Add cheese and garnishes
Serve your Cowboy Spaghetti hot, generously sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese that melts into every bite. Top with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley if you want that pop of color and fresh herbal note. If you like, you can also bake it briefly to get a melty, golden crust for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings you choose really elevate this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. Sharp green onions add a subtle zing, fresh parsley brightens the plate visually and aromatically, and melty cheddar cheese creates a luscious, creamy layer that complements the smoky sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty meal with some classic sides for a full cowboy spread: buttery cornbread, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or creamy coleslaw. These sides offer contrasting textures and flavors that balance the richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe family-style in a large cast iron skillet right at the table. For a dinner party, dish it up in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil until golden. You might even turn it into a baked casserole by layering the pasta in a baking dish, topping with cheese, and baking for 10 minutes at 375°F.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Cowboy Spaghetti thoroughly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy next-day meals that still taste like fresh cowboy magic.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe covered, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly and stays wonderfully saucy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner option and still works well with the smoky, tangy flavors of the sauce. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly to develop that rich taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe isn’t spicy by default. However, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to bring some heat if you like things a little fiery.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they comply with your needs.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar cheese is a classic here, but feel free to experiment with smoked cheddar or pepper jack to add extra depth and a little kick. Both melt beautifully and complement the cowboy flavors perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian variation, omit the bacon and beef and use plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms instead. Boost the smoky flavors with extra smoked paprika and barbecue sauce to keep that cowboy spirit alive.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is truly a dish that hits all the right notes: hearty, smoky, tangy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends with a comforting taste of the West, this recipe is a winner every time. Grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and make yourself a plate of this delicious cowboy classic that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your dinner rotation.
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful American main course pasta dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, crispy bacon, and a smoky tomato-based sauce tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Brown Meat and Onions: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
- Make Sauce: Add diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and the cooked bacon to the skillet. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and stir well until fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an added flavor twist.
- For a melty, baked finish, transfer the sauced spaghetti to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
