If you are craving a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of classic pasta with a smoky, spicy twist, this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender spaghetti tossed in a robust sauce made from fire-roasted tomatoes, sizzling bacon, savory ground beef, and a kick of sriracha to keep things interesting. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a wonderfully satisfying way that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. You’ll love how each bite bursts with bold taste, and trust me, once you try this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe, it’s going to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is a breeze because it calls for ingredients that are easy to find but incredibly flavorful. Every component plays an important role—from the smoky bacon adding crunch, to the sharp cheddar cheese bringing a creamy finish, each item lends something special to the final dish.
- 1 pound dry spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up all the rich sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps in cooking the bacon and beef evenly.
- 3 slices thick bacon, diced: Crispy and smoky, bacon is a must-have for that authentic cowboy flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory foundation for the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic warmth and enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce: Infuses a spicy kick with just the right balance of heat.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy richness that deepens the beef flavor.
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the sauce moist and adds savory notes without overpowering.
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes: Brings smoky tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy consistency to coat the pasta.
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for a luscious, cheesy finish.
- 3 scallions, diced: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild oniony bite.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your spaghetti al dente is essential because it allows the pasta to hold its shape and texture even after mixing with the rich, hearty sauce later on. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon and Brown the Beef
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced bacon and let it cook until it’s deliciously crisp and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, draining off most of the bacon fat but keeping about a tablespoon in the skillet. This flavorful fat will be key to browning your ground beef and onions perfectly. Add the beef and diced onions next, breaking up the meat with your spoon as it cooks. When the beef is browned and the onions are tender, drain off any excess grease. Then quickly stir in the garlic, cooking just until fragrant. A few quick shakes of salt and pepper bring out all these savory layers beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, the magic really starts happening. Stir in the sriracha and Worcestershire sauce, which provide the signature boldness and depth of our Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe. Pour in the beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce, then let everything gently simmer for about six minutes. This lets the flavors blend and the sauce thicken to that perfect consistency that will cling to every strand of spaghetti.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it all together so each noodle is luxuriously coated in the smoky, spicy sauce. Make a taste test now and adjust your seasonings if you want a little more heat or salt. Then plate it up, topping generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crisp bacon pieces, and a sprinkle of diced scallions. This vibrant finishing touch adds freshness and a little pop that you won’t want to miss.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your chance to add texture and freshness that beautifully contrast the rich, cheesy spaghetti. Chopped scallions provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color. Extra crispy bacon bits deliver crunch and smoky satisfaction, while a bit more shredded cheddar melted on top makes for a gooey, irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe with simple sides can elevate your dinner. A crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Roasted or grilled vegetables, like asparagus or bell peppers, bring balance and color. For extra comfort, warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table for that cowboy campfire feel. For a party, portion it into individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of golden cheddar and bacon. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of greenery. These little touches turn a great dish into a memorable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze this dish for longer storage. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly but will come back together once reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or even a gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to match the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To keep that robust flavor without meat, substitute ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives or hearty mushrooms and smoked paprika for that smoky kick.
How spicy is the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
The recipe features sriracha for a mild to moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste buds. Add less for a milder dish or increase for some extra heat.
What cheese works best for Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal because it melts well and offers a bold flavor. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for different textures and tastes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The sauce can be made a day ahead, cooled, and refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti for optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. With its perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try tonight, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds — and maybe even thirds!
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish combining al dente spaghetti with a savory meat sauce featuring crispy bacon, ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a kick of sriracha. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh scallions, this quick 30-minute meal delivers comfort and bold taste perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
Meat and Sauce
- 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
- 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 rolling boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 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 browned and crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté, breaking up the beef into crumbles with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining and the onions are softened. Drain off excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the sriracha hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for about 6 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the pasta in individual bowls, then top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced scallions, and the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Enjoy your robust and comforting cowboy spaghetti!
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the sriracha hot sauce to taste.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce.
- Adding a splash of cream can make the sauce richer, if desired.
