Description

Cowboy Spaghetti is a bold fusion pasta recipe made with smoky bacon, hearty ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. This quick 30-minute dinner combines classic spaghetti with Western-inspired flavors for a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz spaghetti
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, drain, and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; remove and reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
Sauté onion in reserved bacon fat until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Simmer sauce for 8–10 minutes until flavors meld.
Add cooked spaghetti and half the bacon, tossing to combine.
Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, cover, and let melt.
Garnish with remaining bacon and green onions before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just to al dente since it finishes cooking in the sauce. Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melt and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 654
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 921mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 82mg

Keywords: cowboy spaghetti, western spaghetti, bacon spaghetti, cheesy spaghetti dinner