Cowboy Spaghetti: A Bold and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Cowboy Spaghetti is a smoky, savory, and hearty fusion of classic spaghetti and bold Western flavors. Packed with ground beef, bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game day.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Knife
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite style
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 jalapeño optional, fresh or pickled, sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- optional sliced green onions for garnish
- optional crushed tortilla chips for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Reserve 1–2 tbsp bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in crumbled bacon and half the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Transfer to serving plates. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Customize with extra veggies, different cheeses, or swap the protein for turkey or plant-based meat. For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or jalapeños. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 20mg
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