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Cowboy Spaghetti – Bold, Hearty & Packed with Flavor

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A bold and hearty pasta dish with ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. A Western twist on spaghetti that’s full of smoky flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 34 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder

  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or 1 cup crushed tomatoes

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 12 tsp hot sauce

  • Optional: 2 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

  • Green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook spaghetti al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

  • In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

  • In bacon grease, sauté onion 4–5 mins. Add garlic and cook 1 min.

  • Add ground beef, seasonings, and cook until browned.

  • Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Simmer 10 mins.

  • Add cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in cheese and half the bacon.

  • Serve topped with remaining bacon and green onions.

Notes

Make it spicy with jalapeños or mild for kids. Reheats well and can be frozen.