There is nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful pasta dish to bring comfort and joy to the table, and this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe delivers exactly that. Packed with crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, a rich and spicy tomato sauce, and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh scallions, this dish balances textures and bold flavors that will have everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds. Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect weeknight meal when you want something quick yet satisfying, combining simple ingredients into a cowboy-worthy feast that’s both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a great Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe lies in the straightforward, no-fuss ingredients that each play a crucial role—from the smoky bacon adding depth, to the fire-roasted tomatoes imparting a subtle charred sweetness. Each component contributes to the rich texture and bold flavor that makes this dish such a standout.
- Dry spaghetti: Choose a quality brand to ensure perfect al dente pasta that holds up to the hearty sauce.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps crisp the bacon and sauté the aromatics.
- Thick slices of bacon, diced: Provides smoky, crispy bits that bring indulgence and texture.
- Lean ground beef: The main protein that forms the savory base of the sauce.
- Medium diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened in the pan.
- Minced garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basic seasonings to highlight all other flavors.
- Sriracha hot sauce: Delivers a gentle kick and smoky heat that’s signature to this recipe.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy umami complexity to the sauce.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Creates a rich base while keeping the sauce moist and flavorful.
- Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes: Imparts a smoky depth and vibrant color.
- Tomato sauce: Balances acidity and ensures a deeply saucy dish.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy sharpness.
- Diced scallions: Offer a fresh, slightly peppery garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente—tender but still with a little bite—to prevent it from turning mushy once mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the meaty, flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Brown the Beef
Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced bacon and cook until it’s golden brown and beautifully crispy, releasing that smoky essence you’ll love. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel to drain. Leave about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet to cook your ground beef and onions. Sauté the beef with diced onions until browned and onions are translucent, then add minced garlic just long enough to release its aroma—about 20 seconds. Season with salt and pepper here to enhance every layer of flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Flavorful Sauce
Now, stir in the sriracha for a subtle heat, Worcestershire sauce for complexity, and beef broth to keep the sauce luscious. Add the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with the tomato sauce, letting everything bubble gently for about six minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat every strand with that rich, smoky meat sauce. Taste and tweak the seasoning as needed. This is what makes the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe uniquely satisfying—bold flavors mingling in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! Generously grate sharp cheddar cheese over each serving so it melts into the warm pasta, creating pockets of creamy goodness. Sprinkle diced scallions on top for a punch of brightness and a bit of crunch, then garnish with those irresistible crispy bacon bits reserved earlier—this elevates the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish packs so much flavor it can stand alone, but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully. Both add refreshing contrast and a complementary crunch that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cowboy-themed dinner, serve the spaghetti in rustic bowls or cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and embrace that down-home vibe. You could even set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, scallions, and hot sauce so guests can personalize each plate. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy this beloved Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess and maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion the spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or bags, noting that the cheese topping is best added fresh when reheating to preserve its creamy texture. Frozen Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. If microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly. Re-adding fresh cheese and scallions before serving will bring the dish right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still work well, though beef provides a richer, more classic flavor. You might want to add a little extra seasoning to compensate.
Is this recipe very spicy because of the sriracha?
The sriracha adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit it if you prefer a milder version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times may vary, so follow the package directions for best results.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor that complements the smoky, spicy sauce perfectly. You can use mild cheddar for a gentler taste or even a smoked cheddar for added depth.
Is it possible to prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. You can make the meat sauce a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then combine it with freshly cooked pasta right before serving. This can save you time on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast with every bite. It’s quick to make, loaded with vibrant flavors, and comforting in all the right ways. I can’t wait for you to try it—your taste buds and dinner guests will thank you!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, lean ground beef, a zesty tomato sauce with sriracha kick, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting meal combines smoky, spicy, and cheesy elements for a perfect family-friendly dinner that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 slices thick bacon, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
Toppings
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 scallions, diced
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions, which is usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
- Cook Bacon and Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it is browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Sauté Ground Beef and Onions: Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon to flavor the dish. Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, for 3-4 minutes or until the beef is browned and no pink remains and onions have softened. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the sriracha hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss everything together to thoroughly combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti in bowls. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over each serving, followed by the diced scallions and reserved crispy bacon. Enjoy the hearty and delicious meal!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more sriracha or use a hot chili powder.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before combining pasta and sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
