Name: Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ pound bacon, cut into ½ inch diced pieces (yields approximately ¾ cup cooked bacon); 1 pound ground beef, 85%-15% fat content; 1 cup yellow onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes; 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel original brand); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; ½ pound spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained according to package directions; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup mixed into the sauce and ½ cup to garnish); 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions (scallions)

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I absolutely love sharing my take on this hearty and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate. This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is my go-to comfort meal when I want something filling yet packed with bold, zesty flavors. With layers of smoky bacon, savory beef, and a tangy tomato sauce that’s spiced just right, it’s a dish that always brings satisfaction and happy bellies around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

What truly makes this recipe special to me is the incredible blend of flavors that come together in every bite. The combination of crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and just a touch of hot sauce creates a rich and smoky taste that feels both classic and adventurous. I also love the addition of melted cheddar cheese folded into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture with a delightful sharpness. It never fails to impress, whether I’m indulging myself or serving guests.

Another reason I always come back to this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I appreciate meals that don’t require me to stand in the kitchen for hours, and this one fits the bill perfectly. From cooking the bacon to tossing it with the noodles and sauce, each step flows naturally without any complicated tricks. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings with friends, and I love that it’s filling enough to feed a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view shows a white ladle filled with thick, hearty chili containing ground meat, chunks of tomatoes, and slices of carrots in a rich, dark red sauce. The ladle is held over a large pot filled with the same chunky chili mixture, resting against a white marbled surface. The textures in the chili are dense with visible small pieces of vegetables and meat clearly blending into the thick sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is simple but essential, combining to create a balanced mix of texture, flavor, and color. From smoky bacon to spicy diced tomatoes, every component plays a key role in making this dish stand out.

Bacon: Adds smoky richness and a satisfying crunch when crispy, forming the backbone of the dish’s flavor.
Ground beef (85%-15% fat): Provides heartiness and juicy depth to the sauce.
Yellow onion: Offers a sweet and aromatic base that blends perfectly into the sauce.
Minced garlic: Delivers a fragrant kick that enhances the savory qualities.
Salt: Balances and amplifies all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, velvety foundation for the dish.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring a smoky, slightly charred flavor that elevates the sauce.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel): Introduce a mild spicy tang and freshness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami-rich depth that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Hot sauce: Provides a gentle heat that livens up the whole dish.
Spaghetti noodles: Serve as the comforting, familiar base absorbing all the flavorful sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creamy richness and melty goodness both inside the dish and as a garnish.
Green onions (scallions): Offer a fresh, crisp finish with a slight peppery note.

Directions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook it for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Drain all but one tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet and return the skillet to the stove.

Step 2: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the beef is completely browned with no pink spots remaining. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Pour in the tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir all the ingredients until fully combined with the beef mixture.

Step 4: Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering process thickens the sauce slightly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water following the package instructions, usually around 9 to 11 minutes, until they are al dente – tender but with a little bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 6: Add the cooked noodles, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to combine and to let the cheese melt into the sauce, coating the spaghetti in cheesy, smoky goodness.

Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, along with the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. If you want the cheese on top to melt perfectly, cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, ideal for a family meal. The prep time is quick—about 10 minutes to chop and get started. Cooking the bacon, ground beef, and sauce takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes, while the spaghetti noodles cook in about 10 minutes. The total time from start to finish is around 45 minutes, with no additional resting time required, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

How to Serve This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

A black skillet filled with spaghetti mixed in a rich red tomato sauce with chunky ground meat, small tomato pieces, shredded orange cheese, and green sliced onions scattered on top; next to it on a white plate is a serving of the spaghetti with meat and sauce, also topped with green onions, showing thick noodles tangled with the sauce and meat. Above these, two small white bowls contain crispy brown bacon pieces and bright green chopped onions, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Cowboy Spaghetti, I like to keep things comforting and casual. A crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread on the side pairs perfectly. The freshness and crunch from a salad contrast beautifully with the rich and hearty pasta. If you want to keep it super simple, just a handful of steamed vegetables adds nice balance.

For garnishing, I love fresh sliced green onions for their mild bite and bright color, along with a sprinkling of extra shredded cheddar for a gooey finish. You can plate it family-style right from the skillet for a cozy gathering or portion it out on warm plates for a more polished presentation. This dish is best served hot or warm so the cheese stays melty and the flavors shine.

As for drinks, I often enjoy a bold red wine like Zinfandel or a light amber beer to match the smoky and spicy notes in the sauce. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea works wonderfully. This meal is so versatile—I’ve served it at casual family dinners, game day parties, and even informal holiday meals, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with a few delicious twists on this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. For example, swapping out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken lightens the dish but keeps it just as satisfying. Vegetarians can try substituting the meat with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and skip the bacon or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.

If you need to keep it gluten-free, you can easily use gluten-free spaghetti noodles without changing any other ingredient, and the flavor remains fantastic. Looking to boost the heat? Add extra hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a spicier kick. Conversely, leave out the hot sauce for a milder version that the whole family will adore.

For a different cooking method, I’ve even made this cowboy spaghetti in a large skillet in the oven once all ingredients are combined, allowing a crispy cheese crust to form on top. It gives the dish a lovely baked lasagna-style twist that’s well worth trying.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. Before popping it into a container, allow the cowboy spaghetti to cool to room temperature to maintain quality and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, I usually leave off the green onions, adding fresh ones after reheating to keep that crisp texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat cowboy spaghetti is gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the cheese melt smoothly again. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave it on medium power in short intervals, stirring between, to avoid overheating and drying out the pasta. Avoid reheating on too high heat or for too long to keep that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding noodles and cheese, then refrigerate the sauce and reheat it later. Adding fresh noodles and cheese right before serving keeps everything at its best.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

I find sharp cheddar cheese offers the best flavor balance and melts beautifully in the sauce. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky Gouda for different tastes.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I control the heat?

This recipe has a mild spicy kick from the hot sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or jalapeños, or tone it down by using less or omitting the hot sauce altogether.

What’s the best way to cook the bacon for this recipe?

I recommend dicing the bacon into half-inch pieces and cooking it in the skillet over medium heat until crispy but not burnt, around 12-14 minutes. This gives it the perfect texture and flavor to complement the beef and sauce.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, I’ve also enjoyed using penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Just cook according to the package instructions and toss with the sauce as usual.

Conclusion

I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe as I do. It’s one of those dishes that’s satisfyingly bold, easy to pull together, and perfect for bringing loved ones together around the table. Give it a try next time you want a hearty, comforting meal with a flavorful twist—you won’t be disappointed!