Categories: FOOD

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe | The Recipe Critic

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Cowboy spaghetti is the ultimate flavor packed meal! By cooking the beef and sauce in flavorful bacon renderings, every bite is infused with smoky, savory deliciousness. This 30-minute recipe is loaded with beefy, cheesy goodness your whole family will love!

A Reader’s Review

“My whole family loves this recipe, we will not eat regular spaghetti again. I also chopped and cooked the jalapeño with the onion. So very good. Thank you.”

– Carla

Reasons You’ll LOVE This Recipe

Family Friendly: This dish has something for everyone. Making food I know my whole family, both young and old, will love is a win in my books!
One-Pot Meal! You will love how quickly and easily you can throw this meal together. And it is all in one pot so clean up is a breeze!
What to serve with cowboy spaghetti: I am a huge fan of Mexican food and Tex-Mex versions. Serve my grilled mexican street corn, easy cheesy garlic bread and a nice cold glass of horchata!

How to Make One-Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

This easy spaghetti dinner is ready in 20 minutes! Cowboy spaghetti is the best weeknight dinner! With all of its hearty mix-ins, it’s sure to satisfy everyone. Need more quick and easy dinner inspo? Here’s my full list of 30-minute meals!

Cook Spaghetti Noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions to al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chopped bacon pieces. Cook until browned and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and then set aside.
Cook Beef and Onion: Returning to the skillet, add the beef and diced onion. Cook the meat until it looses its pink color and the onions soften.
Add Garlic: Add the garlic, then stir and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Mix: Stir in the chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then stir to combine.
Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and cooked bacon pieces to the meat mixture, then toss to combine.
Garnish: Garnish your cowboy spaghetti with shredded cheese, green onions, and toppings, and then enjoy!

Customize Your Cowboy Spaghetti

This is the perfect recipe to play around with and test different things to get it just how you like. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Add More Spice: For an extra kick, use the hot version of Rotel tomatoes, add more chopped jalapenos while cooking the beef, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce!
Mix in Beans: For more protein and some delicious texture, mix in a can of black or kidney beans.
Use Different Cheese: Try using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese to switch up the flavor!

Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti

Refrigerator: Let the cowboy spaghetti cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: If you’re looking to save it even longer, consider freezing the sauce and the mix-ins in a separate container for up to 3 months.
Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge before reheating. Serve over freshly cooked spaghetti, then enjoy!

More Easy and Delicious Cowboy Recipes

You guys seem to love anything I make with the word Cowboy in the title! Her are some of my ultimate cowboy recipes you have to try! Try out the recipes and let me know what you think! I’m always looking to improve!

Desserts

Cowboy Cookies

30 mins

Side Dishes

Amazing Cowboy Beans

55 mins

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Mouthwatering Cowboy Caviar

20 mins

Side Dishes

Cowboy Candy

25 mins

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Cook the 8 ounces dry spaghetti noodles according to package instructions to al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 6 slices chopped bacon pieces. Cook until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Returning to the skillet, add 1 pound lean ground beef and ½ cup diced onion, diced. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened.
Add 2 cloves minced garlic, then stir and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 (15-ounce) canned Rotel tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) canned tomato sauce, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and bacon pieces to the meat mixture, then toss to combine.
Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and gently toss it into the noodles. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. Garnish with toppings like green scallions and jalepeño, then enjoy!

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 31gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 507mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 692IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 231mgIron: 3mg