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Cowboy Spaghetti

A hearty one-pot pasta dish that combines bold flavors of smoky bacon, ground beef, and creamy cheddar cheese, creating a comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 610
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta
  • 12 oz spaghetti You can also use linguine or penne. Adjust liquid and cooking time as needed.
  • 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 4 oz bacon Cooked and crumbled for garnish.
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese Shredded, to stir in at the end.
  • 1 cup cream or milk Used to make the sauce creamy.
For seasoning
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp smoky paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust based on heat preference.
  • 1 medium onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
  2. Add ground beef to the pot and brown it in the bacon fat.
  3. Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Cooking
  1. Add chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
  2. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the spaghetti directly to the sauce. Cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  4. Near the end of cooking, stir in the cream or milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and top with crumbled bacon. Enjoy!

Notes

Taste as you go and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for balance.