I first came across Cowboy Spaghetti during a family camping trip. We were looking for a hearty, easy-to-make meal that could be prepared over a campfire. The combination of smoky bacon, savory beef, and tangy tomatoes was an instant hit. Over the years, I’ve refined the recipe to be cooked indoors, but it still retains that rustic, outdoor flavor that made it so special. It’s now a favorite in our household, especially on those nights when we crave something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
15-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
10-ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
8-ounce can tomato sauce
½ cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound spaghetti
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat the Dutch Oven:
Place a Dutch oven over medium heat. This sturdy pot is ideal for evenly distributing heat and cooking the bacon to crispy perfection.
Cook the Bacon:
Add the chopped bacon to the pot. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Drain the Bacon:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Keep the bacon grease in the pot, as it will be used to cook the other ingredients and add extra flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add Beef and Onion:
Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease.
Cook the Beef:
Cook the beef and onion, crumbling the beef with a spoon or spatula, until no pink remains. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even browning.
Drain Excess Grease:
If there is excess grease in the pot, carefully drain it off to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This short cooking time ensures the garlic doesn’t burn and retains its flavor.
Add Tomato Ingredients:
Add the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring to a Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Stir often to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to help reduce some of the liquid, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Spaghetti
Boil Water:
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the Spaghetti:
Drain the spaghetti well, shaking off any excess water.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce in the Dutch oven. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
Serve:
Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti hot. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and garnish with sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Different Meats:
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Extra Veggies:
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Alternatives:
Substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Heat Level:
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder dish.
Conclusion
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the robust tastes of the American West to your dinner table. The combination of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and tangy tomatoes creates a rich and satisfying sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The flexibility in ingredients and the potential for variations allow you to customize the dish to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re preparing a meal for a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, Cowboy Spaghetti is sure to be a hit. Its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients make it a dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of making this delicious meal, and savor every bite of its rich, comforting goodness.