If you love dishes that bring together hearty flavors, satisfying textures, and a hint of smoky sweetness, then this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. It’s an unpretentious, comforting meal that mixes crispy bacon, juicy fire-roasted tomatoes, and tangy BBQ sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti and melty cheddar cheese. The magic happens in every bite, where savory meets a touch of sweet, wrapped in a robust, saucy pasta that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Trust me, once you try this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe, it will quickly earn a special spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe plays a vital role. From the crispy bacon adding crunch and smoky depth to the BBQ sauce bringing in that signature sweet and tangy zing—each element is straightforward but powerful. Together, they balance freshness, richness, and a burst of color on your plate.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean for a healthier option or regular for more flavor; browns beautifully to build the base of the sauce.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Cooked al dente, it holds up well and mingles perfectly with the saucy mix.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Crisps up to add a salty crunch and smoky goodness that defines the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Softens and sweetens the savory sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle aromatic punch that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Brings a hint of char and depth to the tomato base.
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich foundation for the sauce.
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce: Imparts the dish’s signature smoky-sweet twist.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce adding creamy, tangy flavor and luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish the dish beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente, meaning tender but still with a little bite—this texture keeps the pasta from turning mushy once it’s combined with the sauce. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water will help loosen the sauce if it feels too thick later on.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and crisp the chopped bacon over medium heat. This step is where the savory, smoky flavors start building. Once the bacon is golden and crunchy, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but don’t lose the magic fat left behind—leave about one tablespoon in the pan to cook the aromatics.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the bacon fat, add the diced onion and sauté it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. The onions will soak up the smoky bacon flavor and sweeten the whole dish as they cook. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Break it up with your spoon and let it brown evenly until fully cooked through. Once browned, drain any excess grease so your sauce stays rich but not oily.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time for the star ingredients: pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency—it should be rich but saucy enough to coat the spaghetti.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Dump the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until every strand is covered in that smoky, tangy, meaty goodness. This step ensures all the flavors get evenly distributed and your pasta is perfectly sauced.
Step 7: Final Touches
Finish by stirring in the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the skillet will melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey blanket that brings everything together. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve this hot and watch everyone dive right in.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green freshness to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick and a beautiful color contrast.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. If you want something to soak up every bit of that saucy goodness, warm cornbread or garlic bread are unbeatable companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the Cowboy Spaghetti right from the skillet so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, dish it out in rustic bowls with a generous sprinkle of cheese and a sprig of parsley on top for that picture-perfect, homestyle presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any stray aromas from sneaking in. When ready to enjoy again, you’ll find the flavors have only deepened.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Cowboy Spaghetti, but keep in mind the texture of the spaghetti may soften a bit upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy sauce texture. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative can work well in this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and fat content might vary slightly.
Is the BBQ sauce an essential ingredient?
While the dish will still be tasty without it, the BBQ sauce contributes a unique sweet and smoky flavor that really sets this Cowboy Spaghetti apart from regular spaghetti recipes. It’s definitely worth including for authenticity.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef and bacon for plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and smoked tofu. Use vegetarian BBQ sauce to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is traditional and melts beautifully here, giving a creamy finish. However, you can also experiment with Monterey Jack or a smoked cheese for a fun twist on the original Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe.
How can I make it spicier?
Add finely diced jalapeños when cooking the onions or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the sauce. A few dashes of hot sauce can also elevate the heat level to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s unpretentious, full of flavor, and the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love. So go ahead, grab these simple ingredients, and create a dish that brings hearty satisfaction to your table. You’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, crispy bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tangy BBQ sauce, all tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting meal comes together quickly and delivers a satisfying combination of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes and Sauces
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Extras and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pan with the bacon fat and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce into the beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce evenly.
- Finish with Bacon and Cheese: Stir in the crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts and becomes creamy within the hot pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh herbal note. Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed—this helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar or add smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This dish reheats well and is great for leftovers the next day.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step for some heat if desired.
