Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, smoky, slightly spicy pasta made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese, and classic chili-style seasonings. It is filling, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
For the Cowboy Sauce
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
¾ cup corn kernels, drained if canned
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
½ cup beef broth or reserved pasta water
For Finishing
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Sliced green onions, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add salt.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces.
Continue cooking until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
4. Build the Cowboy Sauce
Add the following to the skillet:
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Kidney beans
Corn
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard
Chili powder
Smoked paprika
Cumin
Oregano
Black pepper
Salt
Red pepper flakes
Stir everything together.
5. Simmer
Pour in ½ cup beef broth or reserved pasta water.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should become thick, rich, and flavorful.
6. Add the Spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet.
Toss thoroughly so the sauce coats every strand.
If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Cook everything together for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack over the spaghetti.
Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Alternatively, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and lightly golden. Watch carefully.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Add sliced green onions if desired.
Serve hot.
Prep & Cooking Information
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Nut Information
Nuts used: None.
This recipe is naturally nut-free based on the ingredients listed.
Allergy Notes
Contains wheat/gluten from traditional spaghetti.
Contains dairy from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Worcestershire sauce can contain fish depending on the brand.
Some packaged sauces, seasonings, and canned ingredients may have shared-equipment allergen warnings, so check labels if preparing this for someone with a severe allergy.
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free spaghetti and check that the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
Helpful Tips
For extra smoky flavor: Add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke or a little extra smoked paprika.
For more heat: Add diced jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or extra red pepper flakes.
For a creamier version: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons cream cheese after adding the spaghetti.
For extra protein: Use lean ground beef and increase the kidney beans slightly.
For a lighter version: Use 93–96% lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
For extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or diced bell peppers.
For a sweeter barbecue-style flavor: Add 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce to the tomato mixture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Freezing
Allow the spaghetti to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
Calories: 500–550
Protein: 30–34 g
Carbohydrates: 55–60 g
Fiber: 7–9 g
Fat: 18–22 g
Saturated fat: 7–9 g
Sodium: approximately 800–1,000 mg
Nutrition varies depending on the beef, cheese, pasta, canned products, and seasonings used.
Q&A
Q: Why is it called Cowboy Spaghetti?
A: It is a rustic, hearty spaghetti variation inspired by cowboy-style flavors, combining pasta with beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, smoky spices, and cheese.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works very well.
Q: Can I leave out the beans?
A: Absolutely. Simply replace them with additional beef or vegetables.
Q: Can I use black beans instead of kidney beans?
A: Yes. Black beans, pinto beans, or chili beans are all good substitutes.
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Leave out the red pepper flakes and use mild chili powder.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free spaghetti and verify that the Worcestershire sauce and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make Cowboy Spaghetti ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.
Q: Can I make this without cheese?
A: Yes. The cheese can be omitted, although it adds a delicious creamy, savory finish.
Q: Is Cowboy Spaghetti nut-free?
A: Yes. There are no nuts in the recipe as written. Always check packaged ingredients for allergen warnings.
Q: What can I serve with Cowboy Spaghetti?
A: A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or cornbread makes a great side.
Q: Can I make it in one pot?
A: Yes. Cook the beef and sauce in a large pot, then add uncooked spaghetti with enough broth or water to cook the pasta directly in the sauce. Stir frequently until the pasta is tender.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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