Name: Cowboy Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped 1 lb ground beef 1 small yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced; 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 8 oz can tomato sauce 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp hot sauce; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp black pepper Salt to taste; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 green onions, chopped

Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort dish for when you’re craving something bold, hearty, and just a little bit wild. Imagine smoky bacon, rich ground beef, tangy fire-roasted tomatoes, and a dash of hot sauce all tangled up in perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your soul and brings a touch of the Old West to your dinner table.

This pasta dish isn’t your average spaghetti night. It’s got a southern kick, a creamy-cheesy finish, and it’s easy enough for weeknights but exciting enough to serve guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a backyard dinner, Cowboy Spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cowboy Spaghetti?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are perfect for Cowboy Spaghetti because they hold up well with the thick, meaty sauce. However, you can also use linguine or bucatini for a little more bite. If you’re in the mood to switch things up, try it with rotini or penne for extra sauce clinging power.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce (like Tabasco)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make the Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

To the bacon fat, add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Melt

Add the cooked spaghetti and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover the pan, and let it melt for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions just before serving. Serve hot and enjoy every hearty bite!

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti is best served fresh and piping hot, right out of the skillet. It’s delicious with a side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp salad to balance the richness. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve it straight from the skillet family-style.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to a month—just skip the cheese topping until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another meat instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or pork are great alternatives. For extra flavor, try using a mix of ground sausage and beef.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the hot sauce. You can adjust the heat by using more or less, or swap it for a smoky chipotle sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare everything up to the cheese topping, refrigerate, and then heat and melt the cheese right before serving.

What cheese can I use besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Colby cheese work beautifully with this dish.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check the labels on your sauces.

How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before adding the cheese.

Want More Pasta Recipes With a Twist?

If Cowboy Spaghetti left you craving more hearty pasta dishes, check out these favorites:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with a buttery-rich sauce.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that brings Italian flavors with a Southern flair.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for the easiest dinner ever.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s impossible to resist.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach if you’re craving seafood in your skillet.

📌 Save this Cowboy Spaghetti to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you go full cowboy and add jalapeños? Try it with smoked gouda? Or add crispy onion rings on top?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Drop your questions or swaps below—let’s cook smart and share the flavor!

For more recipes like this, visit my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Cowboy Spaghetti

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a bold twist on a weeknight favorite, combining smoky bacon, hearty ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a creamy cheddar finish. It’s quick, comforting, and full of rustic flavor.