Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish combining spaghetti with ground beef, bacon, and a robust tomato-based sauce seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting skillet meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Brown Meat and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped bacon, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to allow the cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- If cheddar cheese is unavailable, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are good alternatives.
- The recipe can be doubled to feed a larger crowd.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
