Cozy BBQ Beef Spaghetti

This comforting Cowboy Spaghetti packs smoky and bold flavors that hit the spot after a long day. Smoky bacon mixed with tangy BBQ sauce gives this pasta a playful twist that your whole family will love.

I threw this together one day craving something smoky and filling without a lot of effort. It quickly turned into a family favorite for casual meals.

What You Need

• Bacon chopped: thick-cut is best to add a smoky crunch and plenty of flavor
• Ground beef: picks up the rich taste and protein go fresh and grass-fed if you can for best results
• Spaghetti: choose good durum wheat pasta for the right chew and neutral flavor
• Tomato sauce: brings richness to the dish use no salt added so you can season yourself
• Onion diced: adds sweetness pick firm onions with tight skin
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: give smoky acidity look for quality canned ones
• Garlic minced: fresh cloves pack more punch than jarred pre-minced
• BBQ sauce: the tangy smoky heart of the dish go for bold but balanced flavors
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts smoothly giving creaminess sharp cheese adds a nice kick
• Chopped parsley: optional fresh parsley brings a bright herbal note
• Salt and pepper: fresh ground pepper amps up all the flavors

How To Fix It

Cook The Beef:

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Brown it on medium-high heat, breaking it into pieces until cooked through and nicely browned. Drain off extra grease so the sauce won’t be oily.

Stir Together The Sauce:

Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce to the pan. Let it simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes to blend flavors. If it gets too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Brown The Bacon:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and fat renders out. Set the bacon aside with a slotted spoon but keep about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan to cook the next ingredients and add smoky flavor.

Make The Flavor Base:

Sauté diced onion in the bacon fat till it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells great but doesn’t brown. This makes the sauce taste awesome.

Boil The Pasta:

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until just firm to the bite. Save half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This helps if the sauce needs thinning later.

Mix Pasta With Sauce:

Toss the drained spaghetti with the simmered sauce so every noodle gets coated in that smoky, tangy goodness.

Finish With Cheese And Bacon:

Stir crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese in until all melted and mixed through. If you want, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm.

What I love most is how smoky bacon and tangy BBQ sauce come together. It always takes me back to family cookouts where smoky smells fill the air and everyone digs in happily.

Storing Leftovers

Put any extras in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently with a little water or broth so it doesn’t dry out. You can also freeze portions for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Switch It Up

Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version without losing much taste. Different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack add creaminess or a little spice. Use chipotle BBQ sauce for a smoky kick or go mild and sweet depending on your mood.

Serving Tips

Pair this with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through richness or some garlicky roasted veggies. Cornbread or crusty bread work great for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Where It Comes From

Cowboy Spaghetti is a cool mix of American flavors blending Texas barbecue vibes and classic pasta comfort food. It's laid-back and perfect for family dinners and get-togethers.

This dish blends smoky, tangy, and hearty flavors for a quick meal that’s become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which meat do you recommend for this dish?

Ground beef gives it a rich, full taste, but you can swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter that still tastes great.

→ How do I make the smoky BBQ flavor stronger or milder?

Just change how much BBQ sauce you use. Add more to amp up the smoky flavor or scale it back if you want it more subtle.

→ What’s the best way to cook the pasta?

Make sure you cook spaghetti just right so it’s firm but not hard. This way, it won’t get mushy when you mix it with the sauce.

→ Can I make the dish spicy?

Yeah, toss in some red pepper flakes while cooking for a mild heat that won’t overpower the smoky taste.

→ What toppings make it taste better?

Fresh chopped parsley brings some brightness. You can also add sour cream or green onions for extra creaminess and zing.