Cowboy Spaghetti

Introduction

Indulge in the hearty and flavorful goodness of Cowboy Spaghetti, a savory dish that combines the bold flavors of bacon, ground sirloin, and spices with gooey cheese and pasta. This recipe brings a taste of the wild west to your dinner table, perfect for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to make and packed with protein and flavor. It’s a fantastic option for a satisfying dinner that will please the whole family. The combination of bacon, ground sirloin, and spices creates a rich and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the cheesy spaghetti.

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon
• 1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) light red kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel Chili Fixins Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons dark chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 3 cups shredded Pepper-Jack cheese, divided
• 12 ounces thin spaghetti
• Pickled jalapeno slices, to taste
• Sliced green onions for garnishing

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
3. Leave some bacon grease in the skillet and add ground sirloin, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, kidney beans, tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, lemon pepper, and oregano.
4. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
5. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
6. Layer the cooked spaghetti in the skillet with the meat mixture and 2 cups of Pepper-Jack cheese.
7. Top with the remaining cheese, crumbled bacon, and jalapeno slices.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti

Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti hot, with a garnish of sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store Cowboy Spaghetti

Store any leftover Cowboy Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

• Customize the spiciness level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and jalapeno slices.
• For a quicker version, use pre-cooked bacon or ground beef.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor twist.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and ground sirloin, and substitute with meatless crumbles or more beans for protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Cowboy Spaghetti? Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
2. Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Is Cowboy Spaghetti spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeno slices based on your preference.