Description: This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Spaghetti is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It combines ground beef, bacon, spaghetti noodles, and a zesty tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. This recipe is easy to make, satisfying, and packed with deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Ro-Tel Original)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced, or as needed for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a large cast iron skillet. Cook them over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until they are slightly crisp. This usually takes about 7 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Let the bacon cool enough to handle, then crumble it roughly and set it aside. The crumbled bacon will add a smoky, savory flavor to the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, which now contains flavorful bacon grease, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should only take about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook the ground beef, stirring frequently, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Break up the beef into smaller crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy final product.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, umami flavor, while the hot sauce provides a touch of heat. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon. The bacon will infuse its smoky flavor into the sauce as it simmers.
Step 5: Combine and Cook the Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti noodles in half to make them easier to manage in the skillet. Scatter the broken spaghetti noodles over the ground beef mixture, making sure the noodles are separated and not clumped together. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce over the noodles. Ensure that the noodles are mostly covered by the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer Until Noodles are Cooked: Cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes, or until the spaghetti noodles are tender and have absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the lid from the skillet and stir the mixture to combine the pasta and sauce thoroughly. Smooth out the mixture in the skillet and scatter the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the cheese. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires only one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Everything cooks together in the same skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of ground beef, bacon, and zesty tomatoes creates a rich, satisfying flavor that’s sure to please. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce adds depth and a subtle kick.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe is easily customizable to your liking. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level, add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or substitute different types of cheese.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to get everyone around the table for a comforting and delicious meal.
- Versatile: Cowboy Spaghetti is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a casual gathering with friends. It’s easy to transport and reheats well.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added richness.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthier option.
- Accompany with coleslaw for a contrasting cool and creamy element.
Tips:
- Use a large cast iron skillet for even cooking and optimal flavor. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven will also work.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half to make them easier to manage in the skillet. This prevents them from sticking together and ensures they cook evenly.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti noodles. They should be cooked al dente, meaning they are firm to the bite.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a little extra beef broth to thin it out.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you want to add more vegetables, sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious.
- To make ahead, prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the cheese. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, sprinkle with cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
Cowboy Spaghetti is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and tangy tomatoes, all topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, Cowboy Spaghetti is a winning choice. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Wild West in your own kitchen!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious and hearty vegetarian version.
- What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
- If you don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes on hand, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead. To add a smoky flavor, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
- Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some good options include bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and corn. Sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Leftover Cowboy Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
