Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful one-pot pasta dish combining crispy bacon, ground beef, and a smoky tomato sauce with barbecue flair. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, this comforting meal comes together quickly and satisfies cravings for a robust, meaty dinner perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz spaghetti

Meat and Aromatics

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings and Garnishes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Brown the ground beef and onions: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the same pan with the bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat if necessary to keep the sauce from being greasy.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
Prepare the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
Season and add bacon: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the cooked bacon to the pan, distributing it evenly through the sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta in the pan. Let it melt gently over low heat, or for a golden finish, place the pan briefly under a broiler until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the Cowboy Spaghetti with sliced green onions and optional chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh herbal note. Serve the dish hot and enjoy.

Notes

To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or ground beef.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the sauce.
For a smoky flavor boost, using smoked paprika is key — avoid substituting with regular paprika.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.