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My Cowboy Spaghetti brings pure comfort to weeknight dinners. I created this recipe while missing my Texas roots and needing a quick but hearty meal. The combination of crispy bacon rich ground beef and zesty tomato sauce creates magic in every bite. My kids rush to the table whenever they smell this cooking and my husband says it reminds him of cowboy campfire suppers.
Perfect Family Dinner
This recipe saves so many busy evenings in our house. The ingredients live right in my pantry making dinner possible even on crazy nights. My family never tires of this kicked up spaghetti and friends always ask for the recipe when they taste it.
What You Need
- Bacon: 6 slices diced creates smoky soul of dish
- Ground Beef: 1 pound fresh lean brings hearty texture
- Sweet Onion: 1 small diced adds natural sweetness
- Fresh Garlic: 3 cloves minced brings flavor depth
- Fire Tomatoes: 15 ounces roasted adds rich smokiness
- Zesty Rotel: 10 ounces perfect amount of spice
- Tomato Sauce: 8 ounces smooth creamy base
- Beef Broth: ½ cup creates perfect sauce texture
- Worcestershire: 1 tablespoon magic flavor enhancer
- Hot Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons your choice optional heat
- Simple Seasonings: Salt pepper freshly ground
- Good Pasta: 1 pound spaghetti holds sauce well
- Sharp Cheddar: Freshly grated melts beautifully
- Green Onions: Sliced thin adds fresh finish
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Making Magic Happen
- Start with Bacon
- Cook diced bacon in Dutch oven until crispy golden. That bacon grease becomes pure gold for flavoring.
- Build the Base
- Brown beef onions in bacon goodness drain then add garlic until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce
- Mix in all tomatoes broth seasonings let everything bubble marry together.
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti just until tender keeping some bite for texture.
- Bring it Together
- Toss pasta sauce top with bacon cheese green onions watch smiles appear.
Make It Your Way
Some nights I use ground turkey keeps things lighter or add mushrooms bell peppers brings extra goodness. My spice loving friends add extra hot sauce while kids prefer it mild. The recipe adapts beautiful to whatever your family loves that's what makes it so special in our house.
Fresh For Days
Leftovers stay happy three days in fridge covered well though they rarely last that long. Quick warm up in pan or microwave brings everything back to life. Sometimes sauce thickens splash of broth makes it perfect again. Next day flavors blend even deeper making lunch feel special.
Perfect Pairings
We love serving this with crisp green salad warm garlic bread soaks up every bit of sauce. Sometimes I put out tortilla chips salsa brings fun Tex Mex twist. Simple sides let main dish shine while making everyone at table happy. Every bite brings comfort makes ordinary dinner feel special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this less spicy?
Skip the hot sauce and use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. The dish will still have great flavor without the heat.
- → Why cook bacon first?
Bacon fat adds flavor to the beef and onions. Save some crispy bacon for topping to add extra crunch.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Prepare sauce up to 2 days ahead and reheat. Cook pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.
- → What pasta works best?
Regular spaghetti holds the sauce well. You can also use linguine or fettuccine for similar results.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth.
Conclusion
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish that combines classic comfort food ingredients with a spicy twist. Perfect for family dinners and satisfying meals.