One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

If you love hearty, flavorful meals with minimal cleanup, then One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant dish combines smoky bacon, spicy kielbasa, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all simmered together in a rich, tomatoey sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s rustic comfort food at its finest, bringing together bold flavors and easy prep in one satisfying skillet meal that’s just bursting with cowboy charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti lies in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients. Each element plays an essential role—from the crispy bacon adding savory depth to the bright acidity of diced tomatoes and creamy cheddar cheese that finishes it all beautifully. Using familiar pantry staples means this recipe comes together quickly without sacrificing any of the hearty, bold flavors.

• 4 strips bacon, chopped: Crisps up to add a smoky crunch that infuses the whole dish.
• 1 ring (13 ounces) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds: Adds a spicy, meaty punch and a little chewiness.
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Brings a fragrant kick that lifts all the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
• 1 pound ground beef: Delivers hearty richness and protein to make it a full meal.
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) beef broth: Creates a flavorful, savory cooking liquid for the pasta.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle tang.
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste: Kicks the dish up a notch with bold spiciness.
• 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half: The comforting pasta backbone of the meal.
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained: Bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• ½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce: Thickens and enriches the tomato base beautifully.
• ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts on top to add creamy, tangy goodness.
• Chives, chopped: Freshly chopped for a bright, oniony garnish that makes every bite pop.

How to Make One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Kielbasa

Start by crisping up the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The bacon needs to brown and become slightly crisp, about 7 to 8 minutes, for that smoky flavor to really develop. Once it’s perfect, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate but don’t forget to keep a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pan. Next, add the sliced kielbasa to the same skillet and brown it until both sides have a beautiful crust, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step deepens the sausage’s flavor and adds some wonderful caramelized bits to your skillet.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

With the bacon and kielbasa set aside, toss in the finely diced onion into the skillet. Cook it gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it softens and starts to turn translucent, releasing a sweet and savory base. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, giving it all a quick stir for just another minute. This simple step layers in more depth and fragrance to your sauce that will carry through the dish beautifully.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Now to the star protein. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink, about 5 to 8 minutes. Cooking it properly ensures a tender, juicy texture and meaty flavor that complements the smokiness from the bacon and kielbasa. Once browned, drain off any excess grease so your sauce won’t be too heavy but will still retain that satisfying meatiness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Add Liquids

Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the cooked meat mixture. These ingredients bring out savory, tanginess, and just the right kick of heat that gives One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti its signature bold personality. Make sure everything is well combined; this broth mixture will be your cooking liquid for the pasta, so it’s key to have all those flavors perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Combine Bacon, Kielbasa, and Spaghetti

Return the crisp bacon and browned kielbasa slices to the skillet, folding them gently into the sauce. Next, add the broken spaghetti pieces in a criss-cross pattern on top of the meat mixture. This clever placement helps keep the noodles from sticking together as they cook and ensures they evenly absorb the flavors all around.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce

Pour the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti and meat. This tomato combo provides a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and richness, turning the skillet into a vibrant one-pot stew that envelops the pasta.

Step 7: Simmer and Cook the Spaghetti

Gently press down on the pasta so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to stir every 5 minutes to prevent any sticking and to help the pasta soak up the flavors evenly. After each stir, seal it back with the lid to keep the heat and moisture locked in for perfectly tender spaghetti.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Once your spaghetti is tender to the bite, remove the lid and give everything a final stir to combine the sauce and pasta fully. Smooth the top, then sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the surface. Cover and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the cheese can melt into a luscious, gooey topping that brings everything together in rich harmony.

How to Serve One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives adds a delightful pop of color and a mild oniony flavor that complements the rich meat and cheese layers beautifully. They offer a fresh contrast that makes each bite feel balanced and inviting.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and let the dish shine by pairing One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add freshness to your plate. Cornbread or garlic bread on the side also makes a fantastic option to soak up every last bit of savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cowboy-inspired spaghetti in cast iron skillets straight to the table for a rustic feel. Or, try topping individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a handful of crispy fried onions to add extra texture and creaminess. It’s also delightful garnished with sliced jalapeños for an added kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal that reheats beautifully with just a splash of broth or water to keep the pasta moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid clumping, consider freezing the spaghetti separately or with plenty of sauce to keep it from drying out.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. Add a little broth or water if the sauce seems thickened. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for the best results. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cheese or chives for that fresh-from-the-skillet feeling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly in this recipe, you can swap it for other similar long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of hot sauce you use. The suggested 2 teaspoons provide a gentle kick, but you can always adjust it to your taste. For a milder version, reduce or omit the hot sauce altogether.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or use alternative proteins?

You can! Swap the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef for plant-based meat substitutes or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and smoked tofu. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth keeps the flavor rich without meat.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Breaking the spaghetti in half and laying it in a crisscross pattern helps. Also, stirring every 5 minutes while it simmers ensures the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks evenly.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it for guests?

Yes, One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is great for make-ahead meals. Prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving for a convenient and crowd-pleasing meal.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a rewarding, bold, and delicious meal that proves fantastic flavor doesn’t need a lot of fuss or dirty dishes. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting, hearty dish with lots of personality. Give this recipe a try and welcome a little cowboy spirit into your dinner rotation — your taste buds will thank you!

Print