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.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces spaghetti
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
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.
Notes
Use hickory or mesquite BBQ sauce for extra smoky flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for heat if you like it spicy.
Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cowboy Spaghetti, BBQ pasta, One-pot dinner