Best Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Looking for a bold, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy? Cowboy Spaghetti is your go-to recipe. This isn’t your average spaghetti dinner—it’s a smoky, savory, beefy pasta dish with the hearty flavors of the American West. Loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, tomatoes, spices, and cheddar cheese, this dish is a satisfying blend of classic spaghetti and cowboy chili.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something filling and flavorful, Cowboy Spaghetti hits the mark. Let’s get into what makes this recipe special and how you can make it at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Spaghetti
Cowboy Spaghetti is the perfect mix of comfort food and bold flavor. It combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the rich depth of chili-style meat sauce. The addition of smoky bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese gives it that Western-style flair. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with just one pot needed for the sauce and another for the pasta.
Here are a few more reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation:
- Quick to prepare – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love it.
- Easy to customize – You can tweak the heat level or swap in ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully the next day.
Ingredients List (Cowboy Spaghetti)
Here’s everything you need to make authentic Cowboy Spaghetti. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you may already have them on hand.
For the spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the cowboy meat sauce:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for serving)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make Cowboy Spaghetti from start to finish. It’s simple, fuss-free, and comes together in about half an hour.
1. Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining—it can be used later to loosen the sauce if needed.
2. Crisp the bacon
While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan and discard the rest.
3. Brown the ground beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Build the sauce
Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute to caramelize slightly. Then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine.
Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Combine and finish
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half the crispy bacon. Let the cheese melt into the hot pasta and sauce.
7. Serve
Divide Cowboy Spaghetti into bowls and top with the remaining bacon, more cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Cowboy Spaghetti is a forgiving recipe that you can easily adapt to suit your tastes or pantry situation. Here are some ideas and tips to get creative with it:
Ingredient Swaps
- No spaghetti? Try it with linguine, penne, or even elbow macaroni.
- Ground beef substitute: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can work.
- Don’t like cheddar? Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Make It Spicier
If you love heat, add extra hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef for a different take.
Add More Veggies
Bulk up the dish with diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Sauté them along with the onions and beef.
Make It a Casserole
Want to turn Cowboy Spaghetti into a baked dish? Pour the finished pasta into a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Storage and Reheating
Cowboy Spaghetti stores and reheats very well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
Storing
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
Final Thoughts on Cowboy Spaghetti
Cowboy Spaghetti is more than just a fun name—it’s a satisfying, savory, and family-approved meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. It’s easy to make, flexible enough to suit your preferences, and packed with smoky, cheesy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Next time you’re craving a spaghetti night but want to switch things up, give this bold Western-style twist a try. Whether you’re serving it up for a busy weeknight or cooking for a crowd, Cowboy Spaghetti is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
