A change up from traditional Italian spaghetti and meat sauce, this Cowboy Spaghetti adds in bacon and cheddar cheese for an American twist on a classic.
Looking for more ways to change up your spaghetti routine? Also check out this Baked Spaghetti or this Instant Pot Bolognese Recipe.
If you are Italian, please stop reading because I would hate to offend you – this is a true “Americanized” version of a great Italian food. But all I know is that it’s a great twist on traditional spaghetti!
This Cowboy Spaghetti has become a family favorite since the first time we tried it many years ago. You get a little bit of smokiness from the bacon and the fire roasted tomatoes, plus a little bit of heat from the hot sauce which gives this spaghetti recipe many layers of flavor. Even though the flavors are bold, the kids still love this one and plates get cleaned.
And just like regular spaghetti, the leftovers are my favorite part! So make sure that you make enough so that you can have some on hand for lunch the next day!
More Spaghetti Recipes
Beef and Blue Cheese Baked Spaghetti
Chicken Tetrazzini
Garlic Spaghetti
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Cowboy Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- salt
- 1/2 lb bacon chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves chopped
- ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can (14-ounce) chopped or crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar
- 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, then drain.
- Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain off the excess grease, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. In in the onions and garlic and cook until they are softened, another couple minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the hot sauce, Worcestershire and beef stock. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce and tomatoes and cook until completely heated through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and stir to combine. Stir in half of the bacon. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the pasta topped with the cheese and green onions. Sprinkle the remaining bacon to top of each serving.
Martha Arntson says
I have made this for years! First time I saw her make it on Food Network! Over the years I’ve given it a few tweaks: Add Cannellini Beans or Kidney Beans, or now, canned beans that are for “Chili”. Also, the fire-roasted tomatoes ARE A MUST! And, DOUBLE THE RECIPE! I swear you will want leftovers on this one as the flavors get better over the days in fridge! Extra EVERYTHING! Don’t skimp on the Beer or the garlic (loads more!) Is a family favorite now!
Cathy Sanders says
Sounds good.
Meredith says
Made this dish tonight and it was delicious! Thank you so much for a new family favorite recipe!!
Jenny says
I made this today for my family…my husband is all about bacon, Worcestershire and hot sauce! It’s definitely different but very good! I added a little sugar to sweeten as I do with all of my spaghetti sauces. Will make this again!
carrie says
My family loves this spaghetti! I have been making it this way for about 6 years. But I don’t use beef both I use beer and it gives it better flaver.
Lauren Davidson says
Hi, just wanted to say that this was a great recipe, I made it tonight for my dad and I. I never thought I could pull it off, but it’s delicious!!! Thank you very much 🙂 – Lauren Davidson (14)
Deborah says
Awesome! I’m so glad you both loved it!
Pam Sohan says
Made this today ! DELISH !
heather @french press says
I LOVE this twist on a classic! and I bet my kids would love it too
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
What a great twist to spaghetti! Love the bacon!
Chels R. says
I Love the chunks of bacon in this. Look awesome!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
What a fun idea!
Kim says
This is a favorite in my house. I don’t always use the fire roasted tomatoes and even then it’s still awesome. My husband is not the extreme fan of pasta that I am and so he loves the addition of bacon and hot sauce and cheese. Thanks for such a great recipe!
Kristy says
I just discovered a new way to eat spaghetti the other night (i've yet to post it), similar to this one. I'm excited to try your version.
Mrs. L says
I love dishes like this. Quick, tasty and filling. Definitely going on my must make list.
And you’ll notice the date I’m commenting…first time I’ve been able to check up on my favorite blogs in a while so I do understand the busy thing 🙂
Power Kites Sale says
I really love spaghetti. But I’m curious about the taste of this Cowboy Spaghetti.
cesar ian lesmoras says
Fabulous spaghetti! Cowboy Spaghetti? I’m gonna remember this name.