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
Scale
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.
