One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

If you love hearty, comforting meals with a little twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti. This dish combines smoky bacon, spicy kielbasa, rich ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce all mingling with tender spaghetti, simmered to perfection in one skillet. It’s a true cowboy-style meal that’s satisfying, simple, and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser when friends come over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that bring texture, deep flavor, and a comforting vibe to the table. Each one adds something special: the bacon and kielbasa offer smoky saltiness, the beef gives heartiness, while the tomato products add a cozy tang. Together, they make the One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti the ultimate all-in-one meal.

• Bacon, 4 strips, chopped: Adds a smoky crunch and rich fat to base the flavors.
• Kielbasa sausage, 13-ounce ring, sliced: Brings a spicy, smoky depth that’s seriously addicting.
• Yellow onion, finely diced: Gives sweetness and a soft texture to balance savory notes.
• Minced garlic, 1 teaspoon: Packs a warm, aromatic punch.
• Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a light kick and complexity.
• Ground beef, 1 pound: Provides hearty protein and binds everything together.
• Beef broth, 1 ½ cups (12 ounces): Infuses deep meaty flavors while cooking the pasta.
• Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons: Brings a subtle tang and umami boost.
• Hot sauce, 2 teaspoons or to taste: Adds vibrant heat that wakes up the dish.
• Dry spaghetti, 8 ounces, broken in half: The carb star that soaks up all those delicious juices.
• Petite diced tomatoes, 2 cans (14.5 ounces each), undrained: Adds sweetness, acidity, and texture.
• Tomato sauce, ½ cup: Creates a luscious, saucy base for the pasta.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded: Melted on top for creamy, rich finish.
• Chives, chopped, for garnish: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and color pop.

How to Make One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it’s beautifully browned and slightly crisp, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. This step renders flavorful bacon fat, which you’ll reserve to cook the next ingredients, giving the dish a smoky base you’ll be dreaming about.

Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa

Using the bacon grease left in the skillet, add the sliced kielbasa and cook until each side is golden and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. This smoky sausage adds that cowboy flair, lending both taste and texture that set this spaghetti apart from the ordinary.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Next, toss in the diced yellow onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic along with kosher salt and black pepper and cook for another minute to let their fragrant oils bloom into the dish.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. This usually takes 5 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish balanced and not overly oily.

Step 5: Build the Sauce and Add Meat Back

Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, mixing everything gently. Return the bacon and kielbasa to the skillet and combine it all. This layered sauce brings together smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that make the One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti shine.

Step 6: Add Spaghetti and Tomatoes

Break the spaghetti in half and arrange it over the meat mixture in a criss-cross pattern to help keep the strands from sticking together. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce right over the top, then gently press down the pasta so it’s mostly submerged in the flavorful liquid.

Step 7: Simmer Until Perfect

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. This slow bubbling allows the pasta to absorb the sauce while cooking evenly without sticking. After each stir, be sure to replace the lid so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese and Garnish

Once the spaghetti is al dente and the sauce is thickened, remove the lid and stir everything to combine thoroughly. Smooth the surface of the pasta, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar evenly on top, cover again, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into gooey goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for a bright, fresh touch.

How to Serve One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Garnishes

Chopped chives add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that contrasts perfectly with the rich, cheesy sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parsley would also complement the dish beautifully if you want to get a little creative.

Side Dishes

This meal is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or some grilled vegetables to bring in freshness and balance. Garlic bread makes an excellent partner to scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cowboy spaghetti in cast-iron skillets straight from the stovetop to the table, giving it a rustic, authentic feel. You could also turn it into a layered casserole, topping with extra cheese and baking briefly for a bubbly crust that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of the One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti should be cooled to room temperature and transferred to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes very well if you want to save some for a future meal. Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water will help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely! While kielbasa gives that smoky, slightly spicy flavor that defines cowboy spaghetti, you can substitute with smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo for a different, yet delicious twist.

Is it necessary to break the spaghetti in half?

Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit better in the skillet and cooks more evenly by allowing the pieces to submerge fully in the sauce. However, if you prefer whole strands and have a large enough pan, you can cook them whole—just be sure they are covered by the liquid.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While the traditional One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is meat-heavy, you could swap out the bacon, kielbasa, and beef for plant-based alternatives or robust veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it meat-free.

What’s the best cheese to use for topping?

Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, providing a tangy richness. You could also experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda to add your own favorite flavor profile.

How spicy is the One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti?

The spice level comes mainly from the hot sauce and the kielbasa; it’s moderately spicy but can easily be adjusted to your preference by cutting back or adding extra hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

The One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is truly a game-changer for anyone craving a filling, flavorful, and fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I can’t recommend it enough—the way those bold, smoky, and spicy flavors meld with the tender pasta is pure comfort food magic. You’re going to love making it your own and sharing it with the people you care about.

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