Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful American dish combining al dente spaghetti with a smoky, savory sauce made from ground beef, crispy bacon, and a tangy blend of barbecue and tomato sauces. Enhanced with spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, this easy stovetop meal is topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings or casual occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the skillet.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook together until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant without burning.
- Combine the Sauces and Spices: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and barbecue sauce. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything until well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in half of the reserved crispy bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cook just long enough for the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish with the remaining bacon, the rest of the cheddar cheese, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter, leaner protein option.
- Use spicy barbecue sauce to add a fiery kick to the dish.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking before serving.
