Cowboy Bacon and Beef Spaghetti
This bold and satisfying dish combines smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce with a Southern twist. A cheesy, flavorful spaghetti dinner that stands apart from the traditional — perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Print
Pin
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 6 strips of bacon chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup plus 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 –2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce according to spice preference
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 can 8 oz plain tomato sauce
- 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it turns crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of rendered fat from the pan.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the ground beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, approximately 3–4 minutes.
- Incorporate the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, blending the flavors.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the meat and sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated. Mix in the majority of the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the crisped bacon pieces, stirring to melt the cheese into the sauce.
- Top with the reserved cheese and garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Adjust the level of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level. For a smokier flavor, add a pinch more smoked paprika or use applewood-smoked bacon.