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Cowboy Spaghetti

Cowboy Spaghetti: A Comforting One-Pot BBQ Delight

Cowboy Spaghetti is a comforting one-pot meal that combines Southern comfort with Italian charm, featuring savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and BBQ-infused tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dish
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use 85/15 for a perfect balance of flavor and fat.
  • 8 oz Spaghetti The classic shape holds the sauce beautifully.
  • 6 oz Bacon Brings depth and flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced, for aroma.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, for flavor.
  • 14.5 oz Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Adds a smoky touch.
  • 8 oz Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Go for smoky varieties.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded, for creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cowboy Spaghetti
  1. Cook spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté diced onion in the bacon fat for 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
  5. Add fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce to the beef mixture. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Fold the drained spaghetti into the sauce, tossing to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  7. Turn off heat and mix in crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

For varied flavors, consider using ground turkey or sausage. Remember to avoid mushy pasta by cooking it just until al dente.

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