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Cowboy Spaghetti

Name: Cowboy Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Cuisine: North America, Southwest
Ingredients: 1 package (12 ounces) spaghetti; 8 bacon strips, chopped; 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 1 large onion, chopped; 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 can (10 ounces) chili-seasoned diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided; Chopped green onions, optional

10 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Oct. 27, 2023

Cowboy spaghetti starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, giving you plenty of hands-off time to prepare a salad, or a dessert for after dinner. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 13x9-in. baking dish before putting it in the oven. —Kerry Whitaker, Carthage, Texas

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) spaghetti
8 bacon strips, chopped
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large onion, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (10 ounces) chili-seasoned diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
Chopped green onions, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.

In a 12-in. cast iron skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Add beef and onion to drippings. Cook and stir until beef is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, oregano and garlic powder.
Drain spaghetti; stir into skillet. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese and half the bacon. Top with remaining 1-1/2 cups cheese. Bake until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and, if desired, green onions.

Cowboy Spaghetti Tips

How can you make cowboy spaghetti your own?

Try swapping in a different protein like ground turkey or ground pork for the ground beef. You can also mix up the cheeses or seasonings to your liking. Feel free to mix it up!

What can you serve with cowboy spaghetti?

Cowboy spaghetti is pretty hearty, so pair it with lighter sides like garlic bread or salad with corn chips.

How should you store leftovers of cowboy spaghetti?

Refrigerate cowboy spaghetti in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Remember, you can also portion any leftovers into single servings and freeze. Check out our guide to freezing food for tips! If you liked this recipe, be sure to try other cowboy copycat recipes such as cowboy casserole, cowboy calico beans, and cowboy stew.

–Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 303 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.