Cowboy Spaghetti

A smoky, saucy pasta dish that comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta and Base Flavors

12 oz spaghetti Regular, thin spaghetti, or broken linguine can be used.
1 lb ground beef An 80/20 blend for best flavor, can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
4 slices bacon Smoked turkey bacon can be used as an alternative.
1 medium onion Can use onion powder if fresh is not available.
2 cloves garlic Can substitute with garlic powder if fresh is not available.
10 oz Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chilies Use plain diced tomatoes for a milder option.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
15 oz tomato sauce Crushed tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
2 cups beef broth or water Broth provides more flavor.

Toppings and Seasonings

1 cup cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar is recommended for flavor.
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 pinch cumin Optional, for a taco-like warmth.

Method

Preparation

Cook the bacon in a pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the bacon drippings, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic.

Cooking the Pasta

Stir in the diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Break the spaghetti in half and add to the pot, ensuring it is submerged.
Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Once cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese and top with the reserved bacon.

Notes

This pasta dish tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth or water. You can freeze Cowboy Spaghetti; however, the pasta may become softer upon thawing.