Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish combining ground beef, crispy bacon, and a spicy tomato sauce infused with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. It’s topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
- Brown Meat and Bacon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped bacon. Cook them together for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pasta strands are coated evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Top with Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the chili powder and spices to your preferred heat level.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and bacon and add mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
