Description
This flavorful Cowboy Spaghetti combines hearty ground beef, smoky bacon, and spicy sausage for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, toss in the spaghetti and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, following the timing indicated on the package. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the spaghetti, but don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water—this will help to loosen the sauce later.
- While your spaghetti is cooking, heat up a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and let it sizzle until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, then set it aside on a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. Make sure to leave about 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan for additional flavor.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, allowing it to release its fragrant aroma. This will form the aromatic foundation of your dish.
- Now, it’s time to add the ground beef and sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat up as it cooks. Allow it to cook until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked. Depending on the fat content of your beef and sausage, you may want to drain any excess grease at this point to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to blend beautifully and thickens the sauce just right.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the rich and flavorful sauce. If your mixture appears too thick, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the spaghetti mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for about 2–3 minutes off the heat until the cheese has melted. The aroma of the melting cheese will surely tempt your taste buds!
- Just before serving, top your Cowboy Spaghetti with the crispy bacon you prepared earlier and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions for a pop of freshness. This added touch not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely color contrast to the dish.
Notes
This dish is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 35 g