Embark on a culinary adventure with Cowboy Spaghetti, a dish that marries the robust flavors of the Wild West with the comforting embrace of tender spaghetti. This isn’t just any spaghetti dish; it’s a bold, flavor-packed meal that brings together the smokiness of bacon with the rich, savory taste of ground beef, all nestled in a tangy tomato sauce infused with fire-roasted tomatoes and a hint of spice. Perfect for a hearty main course, this dish encapsulates the spirit of American cuisine with its straightforward yet bold flavors and generous servings.
Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or entertaining friends on a casual evening, Cowboy Spaghetti is sure to impress. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, with each ingredient adding a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Here’s how to whip up this comforting classic:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 458 kcal per serving
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
15-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
10-ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
8-ounce can tomato sauce
½ cup beef broth
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 – 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound spaghetti
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but keep the bacon grease in the pot.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Crumble the beef and cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain any excess grease.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. The goal is to reduce some of the liquid while still keeping the sauce rich and saucy.
Prepare the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce in the Dutch oven. Use tongs to toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and the crispy bacon.
This Cowboy Spaghetti recipe brings a taste of the frontier right to your kitchen table, making it a perfect choice for those nights when you’re in the mood for something satisfyingly different and delicious. Enjoy your meal!