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Healthy Smoky Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 654
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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