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
Scale
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.
