Cowboy Spaghetti

Name: Cowboy Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups spaghetti; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated cheese for serving; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and spaghetti for a satisfying meal that brings a taste of the wild west to your dinner table.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:28:25.814Z

Cowboy Spaghetti is a beloved dish that embodies the spirit of the American frontier. With its robust flavors and comforting ingredients, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for hungry appetites
Bursting with flavor from spices and herbs
Easy to make, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss

      

A Taste of the Wild West

Cowboy Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful representation of the adventurous spirit of the American West. This dish combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the robust flavors that define cowboy cooking. Whether you're a fan of hearty meals or just looking for something unique to serve your family, Cowboy Spaghetti captures the essence of rustic dining with every bite.

The combination of ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and spices creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a meal that's made to fill bellies and warm hearts, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. With its bold flavors and comforting texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Cooking Made Easy

One of the best aspects of Cowboy Spaghetti is its simplicity. The recipe requires minimal prep work and can be completed in just one pot. This not only makes cooking easier but also means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle, this dish checks all the boxes.

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious, hearty meal in no time. The easy-to-follow instructions ensure that even novice cooks can whip up this delightful dish. Plus, once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with additional ingredients or spices to make it your own.

Customizable to Your Taste

Cowboy Spaghetti is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor.

Additionally, adjust the spices to suit your heat tolerance. If you love a good kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. The dish can be made milder for kids by reducing the chili powder or omitting it altogether. The possibilities are endless, making Cowboy Spaghetti a dish that can grow with you and your family.

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Spaghetti

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups spaghetti
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated cheese for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother preparation process.

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.

Add the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Spaghetti

Add the spaghetti to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Serve

Once the spaghetti is cooked, serve hot with grated cheese and fresh parsley on top.

Enjoy your Cowboy Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Spaghetti is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet. Serve it with a generous sprinkling of grated cheese, which melts beautifully into the warm pasta, adding a creamy texture. A side of crusty bread or garlic knots complements the meal perfectly, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

For a refreshing contrast, consider serving a simple garden salad or coleslaw on the side. The crispness of the salad provides a nice balance to the hearty spaghetti, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, Cowboy Spaghetti stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Alternatively, you can freeze Cowboy Spaghetti for up to three months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy meals down the line. When reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming it up on the stove or in the oven.

Nutritional Highlights

This Cowboy Spaghetti recipe is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal option. Ground beef offers protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, while the tomatoes provide vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants. The addition of spices like chili powder and cumin also brings health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

While it's a hearty dish, you can make it even healthier by incorporating more vegetables or using whole grain spaghetti. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Cowboy Spaghetti while also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the spaghetti when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with Cowboy Spaghetti?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables.