Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti is one of those dishes I turn to when I need something hearty, bold, and packed with flavor. It’s a little bit rustic, a little bit indulgent, and totally satisfying. I love how this recipe takes the classic comfort of spaghetti and kicks it up with smoky bacon, zesty tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and seasoned ground beef. It’s like spaghetti with a cowboy hat on—full of swagger and flavor.

What really draws me to Cowboy Spaghetti is its one-pot simplicity and the way it fills the house with the aroma of something seriously comforting. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or when friends stop by unexpectedly, this recipe always hits the spot. I can easily whip it up in under an hour, and there are never any leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti is the perfect mix of comfort and fun. It has all the goodness of traditional spaghetti but elevated with smoky bacon, spicy sausage, melty cheese, and bold seasonings. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s ideal for anyone who wants a little more from their pasta night.

This recipe is also a fantastic one-pot meal, meaning less clean-up and more time enjoying dinner. It’s great for feeding a crowd, and it’s customizable for different spice levels and dietary preferences.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Spaghetti noodles are the classic choice for this recipe, giving that familiar twirl and bite. However, you can swap in linguine or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the pasta can soak up the rich sauce and hold onto the cheesy, meaty mix.

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Options for Substitutions

• Meat: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is traditional, but pepper jack adds a spicy kick, or use mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Pasta: Gluten-free spaghetti or whole wheat noodles work just as well.
• Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added depth or crushed tomatoes if you like a smoother sauce.
• Spice: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder for more heat, or tone it down with mild sausage.

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Ingredients for this Cowboy Spaghetti

• Spaghetti – The backbone of the dish, perfect for twirling and soaking up that bold sauce.
• Ground Beef – Provides hearty, savory flavor and protein, creating the meaty base of the sauce.
• Bacon – Adds smoky depth and a crisp texture contrast.
• Smoked Sausage – Brings extra flavor and a chewy, satisfying bite.
• Yellow Onion – For sweetness and depth that builds the base of the sauce.
• Garlic – Adds sharp, aromatic flavor that balances the richness of the meat.
• Diced Tomatoes (with juice) – The acidic, juicy base for the sauce, balancing the meats.
• Tomato Sauce – Thickens the dish and deepens the tomato flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a tangy umami punch that ties everything together.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the dish, giving it that signature creamy, gooey finish.
• Chives or Green Onions – Fresh garnish for color and a mild oniony bite.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

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Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

To the bacon fat, add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef and Sausage

Add ground beef and sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

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Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.

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Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the mixture.

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Step 7: Add the Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with crispy bacon and chopped chives or green onions.

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Step 8: Serve Hot

Scoop into bowls or serve straight from the skillet. Garnish with extra cheese or chives if desired. Enjoy cowboy-style comfort in every bite.

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How Long to Prepare the Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti is surprisingly quick for a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. From start to finish, you can have it ready in about 40–45 minutes.

Prep Time: You’ll spend about 10–15 minutes prepping ingredients—chopping onions, garlic, and bacon, slicing sausage, and gathering spices.

Cooking Time: The remaining 25–30 minutes includes browning the meat, building the sauce, boiling the pasta, and melting the cheese. It’s all done in layers, and because everything comes together in one pan, it feels seamless.

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Tips for Perfect Cowboy Spaghetti

• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is perfect since it’ll absorb more flavor when tossed with the sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer long enough to deepen the flavor but not so long that it dries out.
• Keep some reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture if it becomes too thick.
• Add the cheese and bacon at the end so they stay melty and crisp, respectively.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the bacon fat – It’s packed with flavor and forms the base of the dish.
• Overcrowding the pan – If your skillet is too small, the meat will steam instead of brown.
• Undercooking the onions – They need to be soft and golden for maximum flavor.
• Using pre-shredded cheese – It doesn’t melt as smoothly as fresh cheese.
• Forgetting to taste the sauce – Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning.

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What to Serve With Cowboy Spaghetti?

1. Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every bit of that saucy goodness.

2. Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and brings a bit of healthy contrast to the dish.

4. Cornbread Muffins

Sweet and savory, these are a great Southern-inspired side.

5. Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños

For a zingy, sharp flavor contrast that cuts through the meatiness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing: You can freeze Cowboy Spaghetti for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cowboy Spaghetti?

It’s mildly spicy if using standard smoked sausage and Worcestershire. You can control the heat by choosing spicier or milder sausage and adjusting seasonings.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh and mix together before serving.

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille adds great depth, but any pre-cooked sausage will work.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use plant-based crumbles and skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives.

Does this recipe double well?

Yes, it’s easy to double for larger groups. Just be sure to use a big enough pan or split between two.

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Conclusion

Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate mash-up of rustic, hearty ingredients and classic comfort food. It’s smoky, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for a laid-back dinner that still feels special. With just one pan and a handful of bold ingredients, this dish brings big flavor without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and filling, Cowboy Spaghetti is always a good idea.

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