Cowboy Spaghetti

Spaghetti has long been a family favorite, not just for my family but also for millions of families. Cowboy Spaghetti is a dish that is comfort food, filling, hearty and perfect for any night of the week. Loaded with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and ground beef, it is impossible to say no to a dish that is this tasty and simple to make.

What makes this a slightly bit different is that there are red pepper flakes added to the spaghetti to give it a little kick.

I love making this meal because it is kid-friendly, budget-friendly and so yummy. Even on long and busy days, I can get dinner on the table quickly for my family. This Cowboy Spaghetti only takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

What makes this a fun dish is that the kids love to come in and help me make dinner when this is on the menu.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What makes this a recipe I am going to love?

The addition of Chili powder and red pepper flakes takes this Spaghetti to another level of flavor. It has a kick, but not a huge kick. It is really easy to make, and the kids love to help. It is also a dish that I know everyone loves and I seldom have leftovers of Cowboy Spaghetti.

What is the difference between regular Spaghetti and Cowboy Spaghetti?

Cowboy Spaghetti contains ingredients such as red pepper flakes, chili powder, beans, and cheese that are not common for spaghetti. This dish uses pepper jack cheese to also add more flavor.

Are there any variations that you can suggest?

Of course! You could use ground turkey in place of Ground Beef. You can use a different flavor of Cheese or you could add hot sauce to give it a greater kick of heat.

What is the best way to serve Cowboy Spaghetti?

Cowboy Spaghetti can be served on its own, or with a side salad and garlic bread. It’s also great as leftovers for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

• Bacon
• Ground sirloin
• Sweet onion diced
• Worcestershire sauce
• Light black beans drained
• Tomato sauce
• Rotel Chili Fixins Tomatoes
• Dark chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic salt
• Lemon pepper
• Mexican oregano
• Shredded Pepper-Jack cheese divided
• Thin linguine
• Jalapeno slices amount to taste
• Green onions for garnishing

How to make Cowboy Spaghetti:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray two large skillets with pam baking spray

Step 2. Using one skillet, cook the bacon to your liking

Step 3. Play onto a napkin to allow the grease to soak onto the napkin

Step 4. Discard grease, leaving a small amount to saute the onions and beef, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent

Step 5. Mix in the beans, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic, cumin, tomatoes, oregano, and lemon pepper

Step 6. Turn the heat down to low

Step 7. Using a large pasta pot, cook the pasta according to the box

Step 8. Drain the water once the pasta is cooked

Step 9. Mix the pasta into the beef mixture

Step 10. Crumble bacon into the pasta and mix until combined

Step 11. Transfer the pasta into a cast iron skillet and top with cheese and jalapeno slices

Step 12. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted

Step 13. Top with green onions and enjoy

– THANKS FOR PINING!–

Cowboy Spaghetti video

How do I store Cowboy Spaghetti?

Once the Cowboy Spaghetti has cooled completely, it can be placed into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How do I reheat Cowboy Spaghetti?

You can heat individual servings by placing it in the microwave, covering it, and heating them for 1 or 2 minutes, or until the desired temperature is reached. You could also cover the dish and place it in a preheated oven to heat through for about 15 minutes.

Can I freeze Cowboy Spaghetti?

This dish is freezer friendly and can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 or 4 months. It should be placed in the refrigerator overnight to thaw the Spaghetti before reheating.

More Tex-Mex & Mexican Dishes

Tex Mex Fajitas –  These beef fajitas are perfect on a warm summer night paired with a Mexican beer…or when you are just wishing it was a warm summer night! 

Chopped Tex Mex Salad – If you love romaine lettuce, this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad will be your favorite. 

One Pot Texas Hash – Who says Tex-Mex can only be enjoyed in a restaurant? This One Pot Texas Hash proves that you can make a delicious and hearty dinner right at home, without all the fuss.