A Bold, Smoky Take on a Classic Favorite
If you like your pasta hearty, smoky, and loaded with flavor, then Cowboy Spaghetti is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Think spaghetti meets chili meets bacon, all tangled up in one pan. It’s got ground beef, smoky bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and cheese—aka everything a hungry cowboy (or busy family) could want.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, super customizable, and totally delivers on flavor. It’s got that stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction with just enough smoky sweetness to keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What makes this “Cowboy” Spaghetti?
The name comes from the bold, smoky, slightly sweet flavors—usually thanks to bacon, BBQ sauce, and beef. It’s a Southwestern-inspired twist on traditional spaghetti.
Q: Can I make it without bacon?
Yes, you can leave it out or sub in smoked turkey, sausage, or a plant-based alternative for the same depth of flavor.
Q: What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite! A smoky or honey BBQ sauce works best, but spicy or tangy sauces are great if you want to amp up the heat or tang.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well, and the flavors deepen as it sits. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, or even black beans are all great cowboy-style additions.
What You Need to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Beef
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a little grease.
- Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add tomatoes, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, until thickened slightly.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and stir to coat.
- Top with shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions or parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy your wild west feast!
Tips for the Best Cowboy Spaghetti
✔ Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier, deeper flavor.
✔ Don’t skip the bacon—it adds essential savory crunch.
✔ Toss cheese in while warm for extra melty deliciousness.
✔ Serve with cornbread or garlic toast for a Southern-style meal.
✔ Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “This was a total hit! My family asked me to double it next time. That bacon + BBQ sauce combo is amazing.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Comfort food perfection. Tastes like chili and spaghetti had a cowboy baby.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Made it with ground turkey and still full of flavor. Loved the cheddar on top.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Smoky, cheesy, and super satisfying. Reheated leftovers were even better the next day.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Perfect weeknight dinner. My picky eaters cleared their plates!”
Printable Recipe
Cowboy Spaghetti
This bold and cheesy Cowboy Spaghetti is loaded with bacon, beef, BBQ sauce, and cheddar for a smoky, satisfying twist on a classic favorite!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Beef
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a little grease.
- Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add tomatoes, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, until thickened slightly.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and stir to coat.
- Top with shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions or parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy your wild west feast!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this Cowboy Spaghetti wrangled up some smiles at your table, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it for your next family meal, or pass it along to a fellow comfort-food lover. Tag your photos with #funcraftykitchen — I’d love to see how you serve it!
