What’s your review of Chicken Spaghetti? What’s like comfort food in a bowl? What is more interesting than spaghetti? Imagine a hearty chili mixed with creamy, cheesy pasta – yeah, that’s pretty much heaven right? My grandma used to make this for us after long days of, well, not actually herding cattle, but instead, making a dish for them. What are some wild things running around in the wild? I’ve tweaked it over the years to be even more delicious. If you love chili mac, then trust me, you *need* this **Cowboy Spaghetti** in your life. This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy, you’ll be making it on repeat!
What is cowboy spaghetti?
What is cowboy spaghetti? What’s a good mashup of chili and spaghetti? What is a hearty, beefy chili, but instead of serving it with crackers or cornbread? Toss it with cooked spaghetti noodles and load it up with cheese. Some folks add sour cream or cream cheese to make it extra creamy, and others swear by a little bit of cream. Is brown sugar good for spice? I reckon it comes from the fact that it’s a filling, no-fuss meal that is perfect for feeding my daughter. After a long day on the ranch, or, you know, supper at home, is it time to go hungry?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you, there are a million reasons why I’m completely obsessed with this **Cowboy Spaghetti** recipe. First off, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the rich, savory beef, the smoky spices of the chili, the creamy cheese, and the satisfying bite of the pasta all coming together in perfect harmony. What I love most about this is how surprisingly simple it is to make. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes where you can throw everything in one pot and let it simmer away while you do other things. Plus, it’s super cost-effective, which is always a win in my book. Ground beef is pretty budget-friendly, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. I also love how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking – add more spice, use different types of beans, or even throw in some veggies. It’s truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re looking for a dish that’s similar in comforting deliciousness, try my chili mac, but really, this Cowboy Spaghetti has a little something extra that makes it special. My family devours it every time!
How do you make cowboy spaghetti?
Quick Overview
How do I make chicken spaghetti? What are some good ways to brown ground beef, sauté some onions and garlic, then add in your chili powder. Ingredients – tomatoes, beans, spices, and all that good stuff. Let it simmer for a bit to develop the flavors, then toss it with cooked spaghetti and plenty of sauce. What is the best part? You can adapt this recipe to your taste. What is the best way to add cayenne pepper to a recipe? How do you make your own brown sugar?
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Spaghetti: a cow
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
* 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 packet chili seasoning (or homemade blend)
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or your favorite cheese blend
* Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Green onions, chopped
* Jalapeños, sliced
* Avocado, diced
How do I follow the
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. When it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. Be sure to break it up with a spoon. I always do this step first because the browned bits left in the pot add so much flavor to the whole pot.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with browned beef. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. What is the smell of comfort food?
Step 3: Add Chili Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, chili seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. What is the difference between cayenne pepper and paprika? Add salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Simmer
What is the best way to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. How long does it take for a person to complete an assignment? The longer it simmers, the more flavors will meld together. This is key! I usually let it simmer while I get other things done around the house.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot with the chili. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in about 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Set aside. What do you serve immediately, topped with the remaining cheese and any of your favorite toppings?
5. What to Serve It With
**Cowboy Spaghetti** is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides!
For a casual dinner:How do I add freshness to a green salad? Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For a potluck or BBQ: Bring this **Cowboy Spaghetti** to your next gathering! It travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, and maybe some watermelon for a classic summer spread.
For a Comfort Food Feast:What are some good side dishes to serve with mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken? Is it the ultimate indulgence?
What is the best recipe for cowboy spaghetti? I love that it’s so easy to customize. What’s your favorite comfort food?
What are some tips for perfecting cowboy spaghetti?
What are some of the best recipes for cowboy spaghetti?
Beef Quality Matters: Don’t skimp on the ground beef! Using a higher quality beef, like 80/20, will give you a richer, more flavorful dish. I’ve tried it with leaner beef before, and it just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Seriously, the longer you let the chili simmer, the better it will taste. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better. This allows all the flavors to meld together and create a truly unforgettable dish. I usually let mine simmer while I do laundry or catch up on my favorite show.
Cheese, Cheese, Cheese: Don’t be shy with the cheese! I love using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamy, melty texture. But feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends. Pepper jack would add a nice kick!
Spice it Up (or Down): This recipe is totally customizable to your spice preference. If you like it hot, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of chili seasoning. My kids aren’t big fans of spice, so I usually keep it on the milder side.
Bean Variety: Feel free to swap out the kidney and pinto beans for other types of beans, like black beans or cannellini beans. Each type of bean will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
Add Some Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Add diced bell peppers, onions, or even some shredded carrots to the chili. It’s a great way to make it a little healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy **Cowboy Spaghetti**, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. It adds a lovely tanginess and richness that takes it to the next level. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! **Cowboy Spaghetti** tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover **Cowboy Spaghetti** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze **Cowboy Spaghetti** for up to 2-3 months. Divide it into individual portions and store in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated **Cowboy Spaghetti**, simply microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating Frozen Cowboy Spaghetti: Reheat thawed **Cowboy Spaghetti** in the microwave or in a saucepan, as described above. You may need to add a little extra water or broth to restore its original consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – my family’s beloved **Cowboy Spaghetti** recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, super easy to make, and totally customizable to your taste. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a little kick. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my easy chili recipe or my creamy tomato pasta. Now, go ahead and give this **Cowboy Spaghetti** a try! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. Happy cooking!
Cowboy Spaghetti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 1 cup Chopped green bell pepper
- 1 16-ounce Spaghetti
- 1 15-ounce Canned diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the spaghetti, diced tomatoes, water, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked through.
- Serve hot.
