Cowboy Spaghetti

The sizzle of bacon hitting a hot pan, the aroma of onions and garlic mellowing, the promise of a hearty meal—these are the sensory cues that transport me straight to happy family gatherings. It’s the feeling I get every time I make this Cowboy Spaghetti, a dish that’s as robust and comforting as a campfire story under a starlit sky.

This isn’t just any pasta dish; Cowboy Spaghetti is a one-pot wonder packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce that has just the right kick. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something satisfying and quick, or for a casual weekend gathering where good food and good company are the main events. This particular Cowboy Spaghetti recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, evolving slightly but always delivering that beloved, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky bacon, savory ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a hint of spice creates a deeply flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti. This Cowboy Spaghetti is a taste adventure!
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike devour this dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and has just enough familiar flavors with a fun twist to keep everyone happy.
• Weeknight Wonder: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this Cowboy Spaghetti comes together relatively quickly, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Got guests? This recipe can easily be doubled and is guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, game days, or casual dinners.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add in extra veggies. This Cowboy Spaghetti is wonderfully adaptable.

Ingredients for Cowboy Spaghetti

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this satisfying meal:

Core Ingredients

• ½ pound bacon, cut into ½-inch diced pieces: This adds a smoky depth and delicious crispy bits. Look for a good quality smoked bacon.
• 1 pound ground beef (85%-15% fat content): The fat adds flavor; 85/15 provides a good balance without being overly greasy.
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced: Forms the aromatic base of our sauce.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Essential for a savory foundation. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Or to taste, remember bacon is already salty.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if possible.
• 15 ounces tomato sauce: The heart of our rich sauce.
• 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These add a lovely smoky char and sweetness that elevates the dish.
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel original brand): This is a key ingredient for that signature Cowboy Spaghetti kick and zest!
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Your favorite brand, adjust to your preferred heat level.
• ½ pound spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained: The classic pasta choice, but other shapes work too.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): For that gooey, cheesy topping. Sharp cheddar is excellent here.
• 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions (scallions): For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Substitutions and Tips

• Ground Meat: Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble can be substituted. Adjust seasoning as needed, as turkey is leaner.
• Tomatoes: If you can’t find fire-roasted tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes will work, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced. For the Rotel, if you prefer less heat, look for a mild version or use plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili powder.
• Cheese: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese would also be delicious instead of cheddar.
• Spice Level: Easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and choosing mild, original, or hot Rotel. For a milder Cowboy Spaghetti, omit the hot sauce and use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to sauté some diced bell peppers (any color) along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

Best Type of Ground Beef to Use

For a truly flavorful Cowboy Spaghetti, the choice of ground beef matters. I recommend an 85% lean, 15% fat ground beef. This ratio provides enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking, and it renders down nicely, adding richness to the sauce. You can drain off any excess grease after browning, but that initial fat content contributes significantly to the overall taste.

If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef will also work, but you might find the dish slightly less rich. If using very lean ground beef (93/7 or leaner), consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil when browning the meat to prevent it from drying out. Ground chuck is generally an excellent choice for its flavor and fat content, often falling in that 80/20 to 85/15 range.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes any recipe smoother. Here’s what I recommend for your Cowboy Spaghetti adventure:

Must-Have Tools

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: You’ll need something spacious enough to cook the bacon, brown the beef, and simmer the sauce. A 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 5-quart Dutch oven is perfect.
• Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti noodles.
• Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For dicing the bacon, onion, and prepping garlic.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Garlic Press: If you prefer pressing fresh garlic over mincing.
• Bacon Grease Container: If you like to save bacon grease for other cooking (it’s delicious!).
• Cheese Grater: If you buy block cheese (it melts better than pre-shredded!).

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and delicious Cowboy Spaghetti:

1. Cook the Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a cold, large skillet or Dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet (discard any excess). That crispy bacon is gold!
2. Brown the Beef & Aromatics: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant. The kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained), diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, undrained), Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better the Cowboy Spaghetti sauce will taste.
4. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
5. Combine and Get Cheesy: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly. Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, scattering it over the cheese.
6. Melt and Serve: Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for another 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Alternatively, you can place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to get the cheese bubbly and slightly browned (watch carefully!). Serve your delicious Cowboy Spaghetti immediately, garnished with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese and freshly sliced green onions.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the sauce for your Cowboy Spaghetti to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes (or even longer if you have time) really allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce, cooking it al dente (with a slight bite) prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash more hot sauce to suit your preference.
• Bacon Wisely: Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, as it adds texture. Also, don’t discard all the bacon grease! Leaving a tablespoon or two in the pan adds incredible flavor to the ground beef and onions.
• Fresh Garnish: The fresh green onions at the end add a much-needed pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the Cowboy Spaghetti.

How to Store Cowboy Spaghetti

Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti is fantastic the next day! Here’s how to store it:

• Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave Cowboy Spaghetti at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons.
• In the Refrigerator: Allow the Cowboy Spaghetti to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
• Freezing Tips: Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Spaghetti! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You might find the texture of the pasta changes slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious. Reheat as you would refrigerated leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Cowboy Spaghetti?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or some steamed green beans would be perfect alongside this hearty Cowboy Spaghetti. Cornbread is also a fantastic and thematic choice!

Can I make this Cowboy Spaghetti spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of hot sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or use a spicier version of diced tomatoes with green chilies. You could even add a diced jalapeño with the onions.

Is Cowboy Spaghetti good for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! You can make the entire dish ahead of time and portion it out. Alternatively, make the sauce in advance; it will keep well in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for a couple of months. Then, just cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While spaghetti is traditional for Cowboy Spaghetti, feel free to use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Choose a shape that will hold onto the chunky sauce well.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Spaghetti is more than just a recipe; it’s a go-to meal that promises robust flavor, comforting warmth, and a happy table. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Give this Cowboy Spaghetti a try, and enjoy a taste of hearty, satisfying goodness any night of the week!