Cowboy Spaghetti is a bold, hearty twist on your usual pasta night that brings smoky, spicy, cheesy flavors all in one dish. Think of it as the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex spirit and Italian comfort. This isn’t your typical spaghetti and meatballs dinner. Instead, it loads up with crisp bacon, ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chili powder to give every bite a kick of Western flair.

This dish is perfect when you need something satisfying yet fun and slightly unconventional. It captures the energy of a campfire dinner with the convenience of a one-skillet weeknight meal. If you like comfort food with a personality, Cowboy Spaghetti is going to be a winner for your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti hits that sweet spot between smoky and savory. The balance of crispy bacon and seasoned ground beef with the zing of hot sauce and melted cheddar cheese makes this dish unforgettable. It also comes together quickly and feeds a hungry crowd, which is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. And with pantry staples like spaghetti, tomatoes, and spices, you probably have most of what you need already on hand.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Stick to classic spaghetti noodles for this recipe. They hold up well under the meaty, saucy mixture and give you that familiar bite everyone expects. If you’re looking for a twist, try using thick spaghetti or bucatini for a slightly chewier texture. Avoid thin varieties like angel hair, which can get lost under all the hearty toppings.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Spaghetti

This recipe blends comfort and spice, so your ingredients should support that flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Western-inspired pasta to life:

Spaghetti noodles
Thick-cut bacon
Ground beef
Garlic cloves
Onion
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce
Chili powder
Cheddar cheese
Green onions
Salt and black pepper

Each of these plays a role in building layers of flavor. The bacon adds crisp smokiness, while ground beef forms the meaty base. Fire-roasted tomatoes bring depth, and the combination of sauces and spices ties everything together with just enough heat.

How To Make the Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep a bit of the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.

Step 5: Add the Sauces

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine, letting it simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Top the spaghetti with the cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti feeds around 6 people and serves well right out of the skillet or Dutch oven. It makes for an easy serve-yourself dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or low-fuss gatherings. Add extra cheese or a few dashes of hot sauce if your crowd likes it fiery.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Cowboy Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a no-brainer. The cheesy and spicy sauce craves something to mop it up.

Simple Side Salad

A crisp salad with ranch or vinaigrette gives the meal a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and dense, these complement the smoky flavors in the spaghetti.

Roasted Veggies

Think roasted broccoli or carrots to balance the richness of the dish.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Brush it with butter and chili powder for a Southern-style bonus.

Pickled Jalapeños

Serve them on the side for anyone who wants more heat.

Baked Beans

Another backyard classic that plays well with the dish’s smoky notes.

Fried Onions or Onion Rings

A crunchy topping or side to add some extra cowboy-style texture.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Hearty Twist?

If you love this Cowboy Spaghetti, you’ll enjoy digging into these bold and comforting meals:

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Let me know how your Cowboy Spaghetti turns out! Did you add extra spice or throw in a veggie twist? I’m always excited to hear how you make these recipes your own. Drop a comment and let’s swap ideas.

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