Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Cowboy Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 6 strips bacon; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound ground beef; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste; 8 ounce spaghetti noodles; 1 (10 ounce) can diced chiles with green tomatoes (such as Ro-Tel® Original); 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes; 1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; Sliced green onions for garnish

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 5 servings. Ingredient amounts are adjusted automatically for different servings, but cooking times remain the same.

6 strips bacon
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
8 ounces spaghetti noodles
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it reaches a slightly crisp texture, about 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
Using the remaining bacon grease in the skillet, saut the chopped onion until soft, around 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crumbly, approximately 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon.
Break the spaghetti noodles in half and scatter them evenly over the beef mixture, ensuring they are separated. Pour diced tomatoes with green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce over the noodles.
Cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.
Remove the lid, stir to combine the pasta and sauce evenly. Smooth the surface, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top, and scatter the remaining bacon over the cheese.
Cover the skillet again for 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 520
Total Fat: 29g (37% DV)
Saturated Fat: 12g (61% DV)
Cholesterol: 117mg (39% DV)
Sodium: 1406mg (61% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 24g (9% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 40g (80% DV)
Vitamin C: 20mg (22% DV)
Calcium: 255mg (20% DV)
Iron: 5mg (26% DV)
Potassium: 893mg (19% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values may vary depending on individual dietary needs. Consult a healthcare professional for medical dietary advice.

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

History of Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti is a modern American comfort dish inspired by the hearty meals of ranch cooks who fed cowhands across the open ranges of the American West. While not a traditional frontier recipe, its componentssmoky bacon, ground beef, spicy tomatoes, and robust seasoningsreflect the flavors commonly found in chuckwagon cooking. Over time, home cooks adapted these staple ingredients into a pasta-based skillet meal that captures the rustic spirit of Western cuisine while fitting perfectly into contemporary weeknight cooking.

Regional Variations

Across different regions of the United States, Cowboy Spaghetti takes on its own personality. In Texas, it often includes jalapeos, cilantro, or extra hot sauce for a bolder Southwestern heat. In the Midwest, cooks lean toward milder flavors, adding more cheese and sometimes sweet corn for a homestyle twist. Western states frequently favor cast-iron preparation, giving the dish a deeper, slightly smoky flavor. These variations highlight how the recipe adapts to local preferences while maintaining its core hearty character.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Although Cowboy Spaghetti shares a base of noodles and tomato sauce with traditional spaghetti, it stands apart due to its unique fusion of Tex-Mex and American barbecue influences. The addition of bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a flavor profile far richer and spicier than classic Italian-style spaghetti. Unlike baked spaghetti casseroles, this dish is cooked entirely in one skillet, allowing the pasta to absorb the bold, layered flavors directly from the sauce.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Cowboy Spaghetti is most often served in family households, potlucks, and casual gatherings where filling, crowd-pleasing meals are appreciated. It frequently appears at backyard parties, weeknight dinners, and community events thanks to its simplicity and generous yield. Many people enjoy serving it straight from a cast-iron skillet, which not only keeps the dish warm but also adds to its rustic Western aesthetic.

Fun and Interesting Facts

One charming detail about Cowboy Spaghetti is that it has become popular in outdoor cooking communities, where cast-iron skillets and open-fire techniques amplify its smoky depth. The dish is also known for being highly customizablehome cooks often experiment with different cheeses, meats, and heat levels. Its one-pan method makes it ideal for busy cooks and campers alike. Despite being a relatively new addition to American comfort food, Cowboy Spaghetti has quickly earned a reputation as a dependable, flavorful, and adventurous twist on a beloved classic.

FAQ about Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based ground meat. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the substitution.

It depends on your preference. Draining the fat will reduce greasiness, while keeping it will add more flavor. Many cooks prefer draining at least some of the fat for balance.

No, the liquid from the tomatoes helps cook the pasta. If you drain them, you may need to add extra broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out.

Yes. Reduce or omit the hot sauce and use mild diced tomatoes without green chiles. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste.

A large 12-inch cast iron or deep skillet is recommended to give you enough room to stir the pasta and sauce without clumping.

Yes, simply substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower depending on the brand.

Yes. You can cook the bacon, beef, and sauce in advance, then finish cooking the pasta and adding cheese before serving. Leftovers also reheat well in the microwave.

Break the spaghetti in half before adding it and make sure the noodles are evenly spread out in the sauce. Stir gently halfway through cooking to help them separate.

Yes, vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the skillet along with the onions and garlic for more flavor and nutrition.

You can increase the amount of shredded Cheddar cheese, or add a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a richer topping.

Comments

Patrick Thomas

06/30/2023 01:22:59 PM

Absolutely adore this new recipe that is a hit with everyone. Substituted chicken broth for beef broth, and it turned out perfectly.

Michelle Allen

09/16/2024 04:11:18 AM

The dish was tasty. Just remember to properly drain the liquid from the canned tomatoes to avoid a watery consistency. Additionally, you'll need more than just 1/2 cup of cheese to achieve a cheesy crust.

Ryan Edwards

01/24/2023 11:12:25 AM

I found this dish to be delicious! However, it was quite greasy due to the fat from the bacon and ground beef not being drained. I will definitely make it again, but next time I will make sure to drain the fat before moving on to the next step. It was very simple to prepare and very tasty!

Mark Flores

09/03/2022 01:15:20 AM

It could have used more seasoning, but it was absolutely delightful! I enhanced the flavor by including garlic and onion powder, along with a touch of umami seasoning in the meat. Coming from South Texas, we topped it off with cilantro and green onion. The choice of Cholula hot sauce added a nice touch. The wood-fired crust provided just the right amount of heat to complement the creamy cheese. We had plenty of leftovers, and it was a hit with everyone!

Rachel Moore

10/16/2024 09:51:29 AM

The dish was delicious, but the spaghetti didn't cook completely in the initial 20 minutes. After letting it cook for an extra 5 minutes, it turned out perfectly. We decided to add more cheese because we are big fans of it. Overall, we enjoyed it and will definitely be making it again.

James Garcia

04/12/2025 11:48:22 PM

I adjusted the recipe by using half of the ingredients since I was cooking for just myself. It was incredibly easy to prepare and the end result was delicious! To give it an extra kick, I added a bit of sriracha sauce based on recommendations from other reviewers. The dish was ready in only 20 minutes, bursting with flavor and a satisfying level of spiciness. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Catherine Collins

07/26/2023 05:30:34 AM

I made some substitutions to accommodate my wife's current dietary restrictions. I replaced the ground chicken, vegetable broth, and Hearts of Palms linguini with ground beef, beef broth, and real spaghetti, and omitted the bacon and cheese. This dish turned out amazing! I can only imagine how delicious it would be with the original ingredients.

Scott Green

03/10/2023 03:51:31 AM

This was my first time making this dish and I always make sure to read other cooks' comments before trying a new recipe. For this recipe, I decided to add onion and garlic powders to the ground beef while it was browning. After browning the meat, I made sure to drain the excess grease to avoid it becoming too greasy. I also drained both cans of tomatoes, used only 1 cup of beef broth, and opted for using 2/3 cup less than a 24-ounce jar of chunky Ragu with onions and garlic instead of 4 ounces of tomato sauce. During cooking, I checked the covered pan before the recommended 20 minutes as my heat was slightly high, and I found that I needed to add the remaining beef broth. I eyeballed the amount of cheese and decided to use both cheddar and Parmesan. The dish turned out a bit spicy for my taste but not overly so. Both my boyfriend and I enjoyed it a lot!

Elizabeth Adams

05/30/2023 07:54:35 PM

I have to admit, I had some doubts about this recipe at first. We were getting tired of the same old dishes, so I decided to try it out. To my pleasant surprise, it turned out to be absolutely delicious! The flavors were amazing, and even my kids couldn't get enough of it. I opted for gluten-free spaghetti noodles and they cooked up just right. Plus, the leftovers reheated well in the microwave the next day. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Michael Cruz

09/21/2023 01:27:07 AM

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this dish! I found that incorporating some additional seasonings, like garlic and onion powder, into the meat mixture really enhanced the flavors. I made sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef for a leaner result. I also felt the need for a stronger tomato sauce taste, so I used an 8 oz can instead of the 4 oz required in the recipe. To balance it out, I reduced the amount of beef broth by 1/2 cup. To ensure the noodles were well-coated with sauce, I topped it off with a touch of marinara. Overall, these adjustments made for a delicious meal!

Linda Williams

01/02/2025 01:42:38 PM

This recipe has become a game-changer for us when it comes to spaghetti! My husband and I absolutely adore it. Personally, I like to include a 4 oz can of green chiles for an extra kick. And the combination of chopped bacon, cheese, and green onions on top takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Victoria Gomez

04/28/2024 06:40:21 AM

Absolutely adored this recipe, it's a keeper for sure! I followed the recipe exactly. I only had Monterey Jack jalapeno cheese on hand, and it turned out amazing. Luckily, I had a 12-inch deep black skillet. I had to improvise and use a pizza pan as a lid, but it all worked out perfectly in the end! 😋👌

Katherine Garcia

08/06/2022 09:22:09 PM

Great option for a fast and easy weeknight meal!

Emma Gonzalez

07/02/2024 12:47:44 PM

Followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. This dish has quickly become a household favorite for us.

Mary Rodriguez

07/22/2024 10:01:23 PM

I have prepared this dish countless times for various potlucks, and every time, someone asks me for the recipe before I leave. It has become a staple, with repeat requests for me to bring it to the next gathering.

Karen Johnson

06/17/2024 03:05:35 PM

Overall, my experience was pretty good. Next time, I'll make the noodles separately as I've never had success with a recipe that cooks the noodles in the sauce.

Adam Gomez

05/13/2025 09:20:37 AM

This recipe is simple and packed with flavor. I appreciate the convenience of using just one pan, but make sure it's large enough (12"). Remember not to drain the liquid from the tomatoes as it's essential for cooking the pasta. I mistakenly included a can of green chiles, but it turned out great. The level of spiciness can vary based on the hot sauce you choose. In the end, it was incredibly tasty, and I'll definitely be preparing it again!

Nicholas Campbell

11/23/2022 09:24:22 PM

Delicious! My wife adored it! I cooked the hamburger separately and removed the excess grease.

Michael Walker

05/31/2024 11:46:16 PM

First of all, my 12" cast iron skillet was too small to stir properly, resulting in clumpy pasta. Despite this, the dish tasted great and was a hit with everyone, earning it 5 stars. A tip I received was to drain the tomatoes, but in my opinion, the liquid is essential for cooking the pasta.

Helen Nelson

02/23/2025 06:30:48 PM

I experimented with this recipe over the weekend, sticking to the instructions but incorporating an extra step of skimming the fat off the ground beef. This is crucial for me as the ground beef available in my region tends to be quite fatty, even the supposedly leaner varieties. The result was decent - the flavor was satisfactory, it satisfied our hunger, but collectively we concluded that we still prefer our traditional spaghetti and ragu where the sauce and pasta are prepared separately rather than in one pot or pan.

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes