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
Scale
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.
