Cowboy Spaghetti

Name: Cowboy Spaghetti
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 - 10 serving(s)
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 lb. ground beef; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 tbsp. chili powder; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for the pasta; 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with their liquid); 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 c. beef broth; 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1 lb. spaghetti; 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for serving (about 4 ounces); 2 green onions, sliced

It's a hearty mashup of spaghetti and chili!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Aug 31, 2025

1 Rating

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Stacy K. Allen

Yields:

8 - 10 serving(s)

Prep Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from feeding cowboys (and teenagers, which is pretty much the same thing), it’s that a big, hearty bowl of pasta never fails. But sometimes, regular old spaghetti just won’t cut it—you’ve got to add a little kick, a little smokiness, and a whole lot of flavor. That’s where this cowboy spaghetti recipe comes in.

This recipe is a fun, stick-to-your-ribs twist on classic spaghetti, with all the bold flavors you’d expect from cowboy cooking. It starts with smoky bacon, then gets layered with ground beef, garlic, jalapeño, and onion. A mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano gives it a Tex-Mex flair, while fire-roasted tomatoes and pinto beans make the sauce extra hearty. It reminds me of my spaghetti and meatballs, hearty beef-and-bean chili, and pasta carbonara recipes rolled into one!

Toss it all with tender spaghetti noodles (or whatever type of pasta you love!), then load it up with toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of green onions, and—of course—that glorious bacon you saved from the start.

Can you make the sauce for cowboy spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce for cowboy spaghetti can be made up to 3 days in advance. You can stir the bacon right into the sauce before storing, or keep it separate so you can re-crisp it just before serving for extra crunch. When you’re ready to serve, warm the sauce gently in a large pot, then toss with freshly cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Can you freeze leftover cowboy spaghetti?
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, keep a portion of the sauce to store separately. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the sauce overnight, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss with fresh pasta for that just-made taste.

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Ingredients

6
slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 lb.
ground beef
4
garlic cloves, finely chopped
1
jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1
yellow onion, chopped
1 Tbsp.
chili powder
1 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, plus more for the pasta
1 tsp.
ground cumin
1 tsp.
dried oregano
1/2 tsp.
black pepper
1
(28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
1
(15-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with their liquid)
1
(15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup
beef broth
1 Tbsp.
Worcestershire sauce
1 lb.
spaghetti
1 cup
shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for serving (about 4 ounces)
2
green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Step 1In a large dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until golden and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the beef, garlic, jalapeño, and onion to the drippings in the pot and cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, and pepper.
2. Step 2Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), beans, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce,. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Allow the sauce to simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
4. Step 4Remove the sauce from the heat. Toss in the spaghetti, adding pasta water as necessary to loosen up the sauce. Serve topped with the cheddar cheese, green onions, and reserved bacon.