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Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful American pasta dish combining ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich tomato sauce with smoky and spicy accents, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe brings together robust flavors in a quick and satisfying skillet meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Meat & Produce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce Mixture

  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese & Garnish

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the flavorful bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté Ground Beef and Onions: Add olive oil if needed to the skillet, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through and the onions are tender.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
  6. Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and incorporate the bacon.
  7. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the pasta before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for added brightness and color.

Notes

  • For a spicier twist, substitute pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
  • This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
  • Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
  • To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and drain excess grease after cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 790mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg