One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

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A hearty bowl of one pot Cowboy Spaghetti garnished with herbs.

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of different meats, pasta, and tomatoes. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just one pot needed, it minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. The balance of savory bacon, spicy kielbasa, and ground beef creates a comforting dish that everyone will love, especially kids. This recipe is also great for meal prepping, as it stores well for leftovers. Plus, the combination of ingredients means a variety of textures and flavors in each bite. So, if you want a tasty meal without the fuss, this cowboy spaghetti is the way to go!

HOW TO MAKE One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Ingredients:

  • 4 strips bacon, chopped
  • 1 ring (13 ounces) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • ½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Chives, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon. Stir occasionally until it’s browned and slightly crisp, which should take about 7–8 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

  2. To the skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until it’s browned on both sides, which takes around 4–5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the kielbasa to the plate with the bacon.

  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 3–5 minutes. Then, include the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.

  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until no longer pink, which usually takes about 5–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

  5. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

  6. Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet and stir to combine everything.

  7. Add the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture. This helps to prevent sticking.

  8. Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top.

  9. Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Then, cover with a lid and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Remember to stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking; after each stir, replace the lid.

  10. Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.

  11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

  12. Finally, garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.

HOW TO SERVE One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a satisfying meal by itself, but you can elevate it even further. Serve it alongside a simple side salad for freshness or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of extra cheese or red pepper flakes can add a kick that some may enjoy. Pair it with a cold beverage like iced tea or a light soda for a wholesome meal.

HOW TO STORE One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Storing One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is straightforward. Once the dish has cooled down, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave until warm. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container where it can last for about 2–3 months. To reheat from frozen, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

TIPS TO MAKE One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and quality meats. Fresh garlic and onions will enhance the taste significantly.

  2. Adjust Spiciness: You can control the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. Start with less if you’re not sure and increase to taste.

  3. Choose Your Meat: Feel free to mix and match your proteins. Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for beef.

  4. Pasta Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. You want it to be al dente, so don’t hesitate to taste it a minute or two before the timer goes off.

  5. One-Pot Benefits: Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot while stirring. This helps to get all those flavorful bits mixed in, adding more depth to your sauce.

VARIATIONS

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is versatile, allowing for several variations. Here are a few ideas:

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap out all meat for vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Add some plant-based protein if desired, like lentils or tempeh.

  • Spicy Seafood Version: Include shrimp or crab meat to create a seafood twist. Cook them for a shorter time to prevent overcooking.

  • Different Cheese Choices: Instead of sharp cheddar, feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

  • Add More Veggies: Incorporate spinach, kale, or peas while the spaghetti cooks for added nutrition and color.

  • Southwestern Flair: Use black beans and corn along with taco seasoning for a southwestern-inspired cowboy spaghetti.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta, but cooking times may vary. Just watch closely to ensure it cooks properly.

2. Is it necessary to add bacon?
While bacon adds flavor, you can leave it out for a lighter version or substitute it with turkey bacon or pancetta.

3. Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prepping. Just store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer preservation.

This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti recipe is guaranteed to be a hit, whether for a family meal or when entertaining friends. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a winner all around, allowing you to enjoy a filling, home-cooked dinner without the usual mess of multiple pots and pans.