This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is absolutely delicious! It’s loaded with three kinds of meat (a meat-lover’s dream, if I do say so myself!), spaghetti, and cheddar cheese. Even the biggest appetites will be satisfied! If you love one-pot dinners, check out my classic One Pot Spaghetti or my One Pot Taco Spaghetti for a taco-inspired version.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bacon: I used thick-cut bacon in cowboy spaghetti so it wouldn’t get lost in the other ingredients. But any bacon will work. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, and leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Kielbasa: Kielbasa (sometimes called ring sausage) is a flavorful, lightly smoked sausage that comes pre-cooked. But, I like to brown it anyway to add extra flavor and texture. I love using it in recipes, and have a growing list of Kielbasa Recipes you may want to check out. You can also use Andouille sausage, Mexican chorizo, or other sausages as substitutes.
- Ground Beef: Ground beef adds hearty, savory flavor and helps make this dish super filling. I usually go with 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of lean meat and fat. If you prefer, you can swap in ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Or, try ground pork for a richer taste. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on which meat you choose.
- Hot Sauce: The hot sauce adds a little heat and helps balance the richness of the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave it out; it’s totally optional. Or, try my jalapeño hot sauce for a bit of a kick!
- Spaghetti: I use dry spaghetti, broken in half for easy cooking in one pot. You can substitute with any pasta shape you like, but cooking times may vary.
- Tomato Flavor: The diced tomatoes and tomato sauce give the dish its classic tomato flavor. The diced tomatoes (with their juice) add some texture and help cook the pasta. The tomato sauce makes the sauce smooth and rich, bringing all the flavors together. You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned—just peel, dice, and add a bit of extra cooking time to soften them.
- Cheese: I like using sharp cheddar cheese because it melts well and adds good flavor. You can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts easily. Or, try a combination of your favorite cheeses!
Why Is It Called Cowboy Spaghetti?
It’s called Cowboy Spaghetti because it’s loaded with plenty of hearty, flavorful meats (bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef). Just like a meal a cowboy would want after a long day on the range! But you don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy this dish! It is all about big, bold flavors and satisfying appetites, making it a true comfort food classic.
What To Serve With One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
This may be a hearty dish, but I still like to offer some sides to round out the meal. Here are some of my suggestions:
- Wedge Salad
- Coleslaw
- Easy Dinner Rolls
- Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins (to keep with the ‘cowboy’ theme!)
- Roasted Green Beans
- Cowboy Butter Swim Biscuits
How To Store & Reheat Cowboy Spaghetti
To store Cowboy Spaghetti, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, put it in the microwave or warm it on the stove. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of water or broth and heat until warmed through. I actually love the leftovers because flavors come together even more the next day!
Can You Freeze Cowboy Spaghetti?
Yes, cowboy spaghetti freezes well and makes a great freezer meal. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry. The texture may soften a bit, but the bold, hearty flavors still taste delicious!
Why One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Is Totally Worth Your Time!
This cowboy spaghetti recipe might look like it takes a bit of time with its few steps (it does, but it’s not a difficult recipe), but don’t let that fool you. It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is quick and easy. Each step layers bold flavors from crispy bacon, smoky kielbasa, and hearty ground beef, all topped with melty sharp cheddar. The result? A comforting, satisfying meal that’s well worth the effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why this cowboy spaghetti is totally worth your time!
One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 4 strips thick-cut 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
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crisp, about 7–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- To the skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer kielbasa to the plate with the bacon.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture to help prevent sticking.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Gently press the pasta down so they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. After each stir, replace the lid.
- Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is so hearty and flavorful! I love the different meats in every bite!
Elizabeth
This is so good and filling! I absolutely loved it!
Bella
If this doesn't fill you up, I don't know what will. And, it has tons of flavor, too!
Stephanie
This is comfort food at its best! Plus, the leftovers are good, too.
