If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful twist on classic pasta, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Bursting with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and a gooey blanket of sharp cheddar cheese, every forkful feels like a warm, satisfying hug. This dish is not only easy to make but also wildly delicious, combining familiar ingredients in a way that turns simple spaghetti into a meal packed with bold, mouthwatering personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe means gathering some simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the smoky crunch of bacon to the rich, cheesy finish that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up all the saucy goodness beautifully.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty flavor that’s essential for cowboy vibes.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Crispy and smoky, bacon brings incredible texture and depth.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a nice balance to the savory ingredients.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that lifts every bit of flavor.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: The star of the show for tangy, smoky richness.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the sauce, keeping it fresh.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A savory boost for that umami complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm smoky spice, reinforcing that cowboy character.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without being salty.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, spicy background note.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the pasta for gooey, cheesy bliss.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, bright finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente—just firm enough to have a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help everything blend together beautifully at the end.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While your pasta cooks, crisp up the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until wonderfully crunchy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside, making sure to leave about a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pan for the next step. This little bit of grease will add a smoky richness that only bacon can bring.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Into the same skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This combo adds a meaty, savory foundation that’s absolutely crucial for this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Simmer the Sauce
Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around the pan for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the barbecue sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so all those flavors can meld together and thicken to perfection.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, coating the noodles thoroughly. If it feels a little thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and the crispy bacon, then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes until irresistibly gooey.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now you’re all set for a bowl of pure comfort that’s packed with bold, smoky, cheesy flavors.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but don’t be shy about adding extras like sliced green onions, a dash of smoked paprika on top, or even a few pickled jalapeño slices for some extra zing and color contrast. These little toppings bring brightness and make every bite a bit more exciting.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe stands tall on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. If you want to keep things hearty, a side of roasted vegetables rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving your cowboy spaghetti in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table. You can also top individual servings with a fried egg for a breakfast twist or sprinkle extra cheddar and bacon on top just before broiling for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a conversation starter that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap up your leftover Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making lunches or quick dinners even better than the first round.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, this dish freezes well. Just cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 2 months, perfect for those busy days when you want comfort food on demand.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth. This keeps the sauce nice and saucy without drying out the pasta or cheese. Stir well and enjoy it almost like new!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or even rotini—the sauce clings nicely to any shape, so pick your favorite.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives or extra mushrooms and smoked paprika for a similar hearty, smoky flavor.
How spicy is the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
This recipe has a mild kick thanks to chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can easily turn up the heat with jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce if you like it fiery.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You sure can! The sauce actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What is the best cheese to use if I don’t have sharp cheddar?
Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang and melt, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a pepper jack can be delicious alternatives that melt well and add unique flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this unforgettable Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving something comforting for yourself, this dish delivers a perfect mix of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors that feels like a celebration on any night. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll want to make over and over again.
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful American main course combining tender spaghetti with a savory mix of ground beef, crispy bacon, barbecue sauce, and a blend of spices. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add barbecue sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Combine Cheese and Bacon: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and the cooked bacon.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top and cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water to keep the sauce saucy.
