Cowboy Spaghetti is a cozy, no-fuss pasta dish with a rich tomato-meat sauce and a touch of hearty beef flavor. It tastes warm and savory, with a slightly chunky texture from diced tomatoes and soft onion. The aroma is meaty and bright with garlic and Italian herbs. This recipe comes together fast and fills the kitchen with comforting smells. If you like one-pan, stick-to-your-ribs meals, you might also enjoy this cowboy casserole inspiration for another easy family-style option.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 535 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Cowboy Spaghetti
Cowboy Spaghetti is quick, filling, and family friendly. It uses pantry staples and one pound of ground beef for a meaty bite. The sauce is simple but flavorful: garlic and onion soften, tomatoes add brightness, and Italian seasoning ties it together. The dish looks homey and rustic on the plate, with red sauce cloaking the noodles and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, and for feeding hungry guests without fuss.
How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti
This recipe focuses on straightforward steps: cook the pasta, brown the meat, build a simple sauce, then marry pasta and sauce. Use medium heat and taste as you go. Simmering for about 10 minutes lets flavors blend while keeping the sauce slightly chunky. Finish with grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty note.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 4: Finishing
Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to combine so the noodles are well coated. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Cowboy Spaghetti
Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. Add a big sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Offer a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for color and crunch. For a heartier meal, pair with garlic bread or buttery rolls. This dish works well for casual dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
How to Store Cowboy Spaghetti
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Cool to room temperature before sealing.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Portion into meal-size containers for easy thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave covered for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cowboy Spaghetti
- Use a large skillet so you can toss the pasta easily with the sauce.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
- For deeper flavor, brown the beef well until bits stick to the pan, then deglaze with a splash of broth.
- Taste and season gradually. Canned tomatoes can be salty, so add salt near the end.
- If the sauce is thin, simmer a few minutes longer without a lid to thicken.
- Swap beef broth for a splash of red wine for extra depth (cook off the alcohol first).
- For a smoother sauce, crush the diced tomatoes with the back of a spoon while simmering.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and tastes better than pre-grated for topping.
Delicious Variations
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and a can of black beans. Top with shredded cheddar and cilantro.
- Cheesy Cowboy: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar at the end for a creamy finish.
- Lighter Version: Use lean ground turkey or chicken and low-sodium broth.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, or mushrooms when you cook the onion.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion and garlic.
- Baked Casserole: Place mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly for a baked twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well because they hold sauce. Cook pasta to al dente so it does not get mushy when mixed with sauce.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: How do I reduce sodium?
A: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and low-sodium beef broth. Skip added salt until the end and taste first.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Q: Why did my sauce become watery?
A: Possible reasons: too much broth, lid left on while simmering, or pasta water added. Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and thicken. Alternatively, stir in a small spoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers with pasta mixed in?
A: Yes, but pasta texture may soften after freezing. For best texture, freeze sauce separately and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Q: What type of ground beef is best?
A: 80/20 ground beef gives good flavor and juiciness. For less fat, use 90/10 and drain less, but you may want to add a bit of olive oil for richness.
Conclusion
Cowboy Spaghetti is an easy, comforting meal that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. It smells savory, tastes satisfying, and warms up well for lunches or dinners. Give it a try for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, and compare it with other takes like the Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe – Allrecipes for additional ideas. Enjoy the cozy flavors, and don’t be afraid to tweak the seasonings to make it your own.
Print
Cowboy Spaghetti
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy, no-fuss pasta dish with a rich tomato-meat sauce and hearty beef flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to combine so the noodles are well coated. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
Serve with a big sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a simple green salad or garlic bread for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 535
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
