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Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti: Your New Favorite One-Pot Comfort Meal

Cowboy Spaghetti combines Southern BBQ and Italian flavors for a heartwarming dish that everyone will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian, Southern
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Choose 85/15 for flavor and juiciness.
  • 6 oz Bacon Choose thick-cut for best crunch.
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Spaghetti Traditional choice.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Brings a subtle smokiness.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Acts as the moisture base.
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Opt for a smoky variant.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Aromatic sweetness.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Essential for depth of flavor.
For the Finish
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Melts beautifully; Monterey Jack can be used.
  • 2 tbsp Parsley Optional; for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion in reserved bacon fat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes, draining excess grease as needed.
  5. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce. Let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. Let rest for 1-2 minutes to absorb sauce.
  7. Fold in crispy bacon and cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For best flavor, consume leftovers within 4 days if stored in the fridge. Add reserved pasta water when reheating to regain creamy texture.

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