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Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 71 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Southwestern

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
  6. 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.