Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground beef simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, served over tender spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting dish brings a southwestern twist to classic spaghetti, perfect for a family dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is browned evenly. This will infuse the dish with a rich meaty base.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and become tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and ladle the cowboy-style meat sauce over it. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top to finish the dish with a creamy, cheesy touch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or use hot diced chilies instead of mild.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish.
- To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding fresh cilantro or green onions on top before serving adds a fresh, herbaceous note.