Cowboy Spaghetti
This cowboy spaghetti is a bold, hearty twist on classic spaghetti made with seasoned ground beef, smoky spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Easy to make in under 40 minutes, this comforting pasta dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or meal prep with big, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles cooked al dente
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (optional)
- Flavor Base
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water or reserved pasta water
- Pantry Staples
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Build Flavor
- Stir in onion and bell pepper.
- Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in tomato sauce and water (or pasta water).
- Stir well and simmer 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine
- Add cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet.
- Toss until pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
- Serve
- Remove from heat and let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cowboy spaghetti should be bold—don’t be shy with seasoning.
- Sauce thickens as it rests; add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Drain beef well to avoid a greasy sauce.