Cowboy Spaghetti is where Southern comfort meets Italian tradition, creating a bold, smoky twist on a weeknight classic. Imagine hearty ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, smoky bacon, and a dash of BBQ sauce, all simmered into a rich sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti. It’s the kind of dish that feels right at home around a campfire or your dinner table.

Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder brings big flavor with minimal fuss. The blend of savory and sweet with just a little heat is what sets Cowboy Spaghetti apart from your average pasta night. It’s filling, flavorful, and fuss-free—ideal for busy evenings when you want something that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul.

What Kind of Spaghetti Works Best for Cowboy Spaghetti?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are the go-to for this dish, offering the perfect bite and texture to soak up all that smoky, meaty sauce. However, you can also use linguine or bucatini if you prefer a thicker noodle to hold up to the hearty toppings. Avoid angel hair, which tends to get lost in the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Spaghetti

Ground Beef: The heart of the recipe. Choose 85/15 for a balance of flavor and minimal grease.

Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti gives the dish its comforting texture and holds the sauce well.

Bacon: Adds smoky depth and that signature cowboy-style flavor.

Onion: Brings aromatic sweetness and balances the savory elements.

Garlic: A must-have for depth and that classic Italian aroma.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Offer a slightly smoky edge that elevates the sauce.

Tomato Sauce: Binds all the ingredients into a cohesive, saucy goodness.

BBQ Sauce: The secret twist! Adds sweetness and a hint of tangy smokiness.

Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the hot pasta for a creamy, comforting finish.

Parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle on top to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How To Make the Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

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

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Combine with Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat every strand. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.

Step 7: Add Bacon and Cheese

Stir in the cooked bacon and sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melty and gooey throughout the dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti is best served hot straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even extra cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread to round out the meal. This dish is also fantastic for potlucks or family dinners since it stays warm and delicious for quite a while.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled spaghetti to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Any BBQ sauce you love will work, but something smoky or tangy balances beautifully with the rich tomato base. Try a hickory or mesquite flavor for a deeper cowboy kick.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cowboy Spaghetti reheats wonderfully. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce if you want a kick. The base recipe leans more smoky-sweet.

Can I swap the meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or sausage can replace the ground beef. For a smoky twist, you can even add a mix of chorizo.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and beef, and opt for plant-based crumbles. Add mushrooms and bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

What cheese alternatives work well?

If cheddar isn’t your favorite, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a smoky gouda. Even cream cheese stirred in at the end gives a velvety finish.

Want More Pasta Dinners with a Twist?

If you love this Cowboy Spaghetti, check out these other hearty and flavor-packed favorites from the site:

Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a creamy, cheesy twist on a spaghetti classic.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce when you want a comforting one-pot meal.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for that ultra-cheesy, family-approved dinner.
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you’re in the mood for something bold and savory.
One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac for a Southern-inspired pasta with extra kick.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you always have a hearty go-to meal on hand.

And let me know in the comments how your Cowboy Spaghetti turned out! Did you add jalapeños? Swap in smoked sausage? Sprinkle on crushed chips?

I love seeing your spins on these comfort classics. Tag me and follow along for more daily recipes on Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes.

Cowboy Spaghetti

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a bold and hearty twist on traditional pasta night—loaded with smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a rich BBQ-spiked tomato sauce, all tossed with spaghetti and melted cheddar. This satisfying one-pot meal is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something comforting with a little cowboy flair.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

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

3. Add diced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

5. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. If too thick, add some reserved pasta water.

6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce.

7. Stir in cooked bacon and shredded cheddar. Mix until the cheese melts. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.