Cowboy Spaghetti is a comforting one-skillet meal inspired by ranch-style cooking. Combining savory ground beef, tender spaghetti, and robust beans in a spiced tomato sauce, this dish brings the spirit of the American West to your table. What makes this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe so appealing is its simplicity—minimal prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a flavor profile that satisfies meat-and-potatoes lovers and pasta fans alike.
Ingredients for Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe (1x, 2x, 4x Yields)
| Ingredient | 1× Yield | 2× Yield | 4× Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 8 oz (about half a box) | 16 oz (full box) | 32 oz (2 boxes) |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp | 4 Tbsp |
| Bacon, chopped | 3 slices | 6 slices | 12 slices |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb | 2 lbs | 4 lbs |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 small | 2 small | 4 small |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | 6 | 12 |
| Chili powder | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | 8 tsp |
| Ground cumin | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Crushed fire-roasted tomatoes | 14 oz can | 28 oz (2 cans) | 56 oz (4 cans) |
| Tomato sauce | 8 oz can | 16 oz (2 cans) | 32 oz (4 cans) |
| Pinto beans, drained & rinsed | 15 oz can | 30 oz (2 cans) | 60 oz (4 cans) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 Tbsp | 2 Tbsp | 4 Tbsp |
| Hot sauce (optional) | To taste | To taste | To taste |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | To taste | To taste |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
Why These Ingredients?
• Unsalted butter vs. bacon fat: Using bacon fat adds smokiness, but unsalted butter can balance flavor.
• Rinsing beans: Removes excess sodium and starch, ensuring a cleaner sauce.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes: Introduce a subtle char without extra effort.
Prep & Cook Details ⏱️
- Prep Time: 10 minutes ⏳
- Cook Time: 20 minutes 🍲
- Total Time: 30 minutes ⏲️
- Servings: 4 – 6 bowls 🍽️
- Difficulty Level: Easy ⭐
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Directions (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil, and set aside.
2️⃣ Render the Bacon:
- In a deep skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and chopped bacon.
- Cook until crisp (about 5 minutes), then transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate.
3️⃣ Brown the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add ground beef.
- Crumble and cook until no pink remains (4–5 minutes).
- Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 Tbsp in the pan.
4️⃣ Sauté Aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until translucent (2 minutes).
- Stir in chili powder and cumin; toast spices for 30 seconds.
5️⃣ Build the Sauce:
- Pour in crushed fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Add pinto beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Bring to a simmer; cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Combine & Finish:
- Fold in cooked spaghetti and reserved bacon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with shredded cheddar, cover, and let melt (2 minutes).
7️⃣ Serve:
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro, if desired.
- Dish into bowls and enjoy!
Doneness Check: Sauce should cling to spaghetti strands with a glossy finish.
Chef’s Notes, Tips & Variations
- Flavor Variations:
- Cheese Swirl: Stir in cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne.
- Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chorizo for different flavors.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking pasta: Always taste for al dente.
- Under-seasoning: Adjust salt/pepper at the end, not just the beginning.
- Storage Methods:
- Room Temp: Airtight container for up to 2 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place in freezer-safe bags; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Medical & Dietary Tips:
- For a lower-sodium version, use no-salt-added beans and low-sodium tomato sauce.
- Gluten-free: Substitute spaghetti with corn or rice pasta.
- Dairy-free: Omit cheese or use dairy-free shreds.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
| Yield Multiples | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1× (4 servings) | 420 | 18 | 42 | 20 |
| 2× (8 servings) | 405 | 17 | 40 | 19 |
| 4× (16 servings) | 395 | 16 | 39 | 18 |
Values may vary by brand and portion size.
Local Offers & Featured Products
• Whole Foods 365®: For organic ground beef and fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Walmart Great Value®: Budget-friendly pinto beans and spaghetti.
• Trader Joe’s: Try their special chili powder blend for extra depth.
• Premium Option: Grass-fed beef from your local butcher for richer flavor.
Team’s Personal View
“We love this Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe because it’s unbelievably quick yet packed with flavor. Our test kitchen often tosses in extra beans for a heartier bite, and a squeeze of lime brightens the dish. Whenever we crave comfort food, this is our go-to!”
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Final Thoughts & Conclusion
This Cowboy Spaghetti recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors in under 30 minutes, making it a staple for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. It’s a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with classic sides like Sweet Restaurant Slaw for a creamy, tangy contrast or a crispy batch of Homemade Fried Potato Chips for the ultimate comfort meal.
For those who love a Southern-style twist, this recipe shares flavor roots with our Best Vegan Baked Ziti, showcasing how pasta can be a rich, family-friendly centerpiece. Want something sweet to balance the spice? Try a nostalgic dessert like the Best Grandma Ricke’s Cookie Recipe or keep it simple with a slice of 4-Ingredient Banana Bread.
Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with jalapeños, shredded cheddar, or smoky bacon, Cowboy Spaghetti is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, share your photos, and let us know how your Cowboy Spaghetti turns out!
Enjoy the taste of the West—happy cooking!
— The You Cook Recipes Team
