If you’ve ever wanted a one-pan meal that packs a punch of bold flavors and homestyle comfort, then you absolutely need to try this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings together crispy bacon, hearty ground beef, a spicy kick of sriracha, and melty sharp cheddar cheese—all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich, smoky tomato sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers that classic cowboy spirit in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create layers of taste and texture that truly elevate this dish. Each one plays a role in bringing together a hearty, satisfying bowl of cowboy-style spaghetti that you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 pound dry spaghetti: This is your pasta base that soaks up all the delicious sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps start your cooking on the right note.
- 3 slices thick bacon, diced: Crispy, smoky bacon bits provide irresistible texture and flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this spaghetti truly satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, it softens into the sauce adding depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory aroma that wakes up the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all ingredients into balance.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce: A bold spicy note that gives this cowboy spaghetti its signature kick.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami layer that enhances the meatiness.
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth: Brings moisture and richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes: Smoky, vibrant tomatoes that create a robust base.
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and volume to your sauce.
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts deliciously on top, adding creamy tang.
- 3 scallions, diced: Fresh and slightly crisp for a bright finish.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a tiny bit of bite to it. This texture is perfect because it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside; this step creates the foundation for your cowboy spaghetti.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large deep skillet. Toss in the diced bacon and cook until it’s wonderfully crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels—keeping that irresistible crunch waiting for the final sprinkle. Carefully drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor, then add ground beef and diced onion. Sauté them together until the beef is browned and the onions soften. Drain off any extra grease again, then add garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
Step 3: Build the Bold Sauce
Now comes the magic moment. Add sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce directly to your skillet with the beef mixture. Let everything gently bubble away as it simmers for about six minutes; this thickens the sauce just enough while letting all those smoky, spicy flavors meld perfectly. Your cowboy spaghetti is really starting to come alive now.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
It’s finally time to bring everything together. Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet and toss until every strand is lovingly coated with that rich, flavorful sauce. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt or pepper if you think it needs a little tweak. This mixture is truly the heart of the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe—comforting, hearty, with just the right amount of kick.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Dish the spaghetti into bowls and then top it generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt from the warmth of the pasta, creating a luscious, gooey layer of goodness. Finally, sprinkle those reserved crispy bacon bits and fresh scallions on top for the perfect combination of smoky crunch and fresh brightness. Get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions and crispy bacon are classic garnishes for Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe, adding vibrant color and exciting texture right at the end. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to customize your bowl even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty spaghetti with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread to balance the bold flavors and keep the meal feeling well-rounded. For a more rustic western feel, try roasted corn on the cob or a simple coleslaw to complement the smoky and spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe family-style in a big cast-iron skillet right at the table so everyone can help themselves. Or get playful by layering the pasta in individual mason jars for a fun picnic or potluck presentation—just top with cheese and bacon before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will deepen in flavor overnight, making your Cowboy Spaghetti taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool completely then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, the microwave works fine—just cover to keep moisture in and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef and bacon for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika to keep that smoky, hearty vibe without meat.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is traditional here, offering a tangy, melting richness that complements the spicy sauce. Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella also works beautifully if you want a milder melt.
Is there a milder version of the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
Yes! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha hot sauce and replace fire-roasted tomatoes with regular crushed tomatoes for a gentler flavor that everyone can enjoy.
How spicy is this recipe?
The sriracha adds a moderate heat that’s balanced by the richness of beef and cheese. If you prefer, you can adjust the amount to your heat tolerance, making this recipe very flexible.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! While spaghetti is classic, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce nicely and can switch things up if you want variety.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite in so many kitchens. It’s hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying—a meal that feels like a big warm hug at the end of a long day. Don’t wait, gather these simple ingredients and make this incredible dish your new go-to for weeknight comfort food. You won’t regret it!
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 lean ground beef, crispy bacon, and a spicy, savory tomato sauce. This quick and comforting meal combines al dente spaghetti with a rich blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, sriracha, and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with fresh scallions and bacon for an irresistible finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this 30-minute recipe serves six and packs bold, smoky flavors with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
Meat and Sauce
- 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
- 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 rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside for later use.
- 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 brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is browned, no longer pink, and the onions have softened. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Make Sauce: To the browned meat mixture, add the sriracha hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients well. Let the sauce gently bubble and simmer uncovered for about 6 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all strands of pasta evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or sriracha for heat. Serve the spaghetti in individual bowls. Top each serving generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced scallions, and the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Enjoy your hearty cowboy spaghetti hot!
Notes
- The bacon grease adds flavor to the beef, so don’t discard it all—leave about a tablespoon in the skillet.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha to 1 teaspoon or omit it completely.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and make the dish healthier.
- Freshly grated cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- The recipe can be adapted to individual spice preferences by adjusting or omitting sriracha.
