There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that combines bold flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients. Cowboy Spaghetti is that soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm embrace after a long day.
I remember the first time I made this dish—it filled the kitchen with the smell of smoky barbecue and spicy chili, making me feel like I was right there on the open range. The tender spaghetti wrapped in a sauce bursting with chunky beef, peppers, and tomatoes brought a smile to my face and a happy belly.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rich tomato-based sauce with a smoky barbecue and spicy chili twist
- Tender spaghetti paired perfectly with chunky ground beef and vegetables
- Rustic, hearty presentation that’s as comforting as it is flavorful
- Simple sautéing and simmering method that’s easy to follow
- Colorful and inviting plate with warm reds, browns, and fresh greens
Quick to make and full of bold flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
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Cowboy Spaghetti
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Tender spaghetti twirled into a neat mound topped with a saucy, chunky mixture of ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion, and green bell pepper in a tomato-based sauce with barbecue and chili spices, garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook spaghetti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and barbecue sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce mixture for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
To serve, twirl the spaghetti into a neat mound on each plate. Spoon the saucy meat and vegetable mixture over the top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
FAQ
Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead and reheat it?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe easy to prepare for beginners?
Yes! The steps focus on straightforward sautéing and simmering, making it accessible even if you’re new to cooking.
Go ahead—save, print, or dive right into cooking this warm and hearty Cowboy Spaghetti. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.