Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a bold and hearty fusion of spaghetti and southwestern flavors, featuring smoky bacon, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pan, add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked bacon back to the pan.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and let it melt slightly over low heat, or place under a broiler briefly to melt and brown.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped herbs if using. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage or ground turkey for variation.
- Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for more heat.
- Great as leftovers and even better the next day!
- Can be made in advance and baked as a casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg