My Cowboy Friend’s Favorite Meal
I learned this recipe from an old cowboy friend. His name was Sam. He cooked this over a campfire in one big pot.
I still laugh at that. He said it was a meal for a hungry crew. It makes me feel strong and happy whenever I make it.
Why One Pot is a Good Idea
This matters because it saves you from a big mess. You only have one pan to wash. That means more time to enjoy your dinner.
It also lets the flavors get to know each other. The pasta cooks right in the sauce. Doesn’t that smell amazing as it simmers?
The Magic of Breaking the Spaghetti
You might wonder why we break the spaghetti in half. It’s not for luck! It helps the long noodles fit in the pot.
It also makes it easier to stir and serve. Fun fact: In some places, breaking pasta is a big no-no. But for cowboys, the only rule is that it tastes good! What’s your favorite pasta shape to cook with?
A Story About Bacon Grease
I remember the first time I cooked bacon for this. I almost poured all the grease out. My grandma stopped me.
She said, That liquid gold is your secret flavor! She was right. Cooking the onions and meat in it makes everything richer. This matters because little tricks make a big difference in taste.
Making It Your Own
The best part of cooking is making a recipe yours. Do you like things spicy? Add more hot sauce! Want more veggies? Toss in some corn.
What is one ingredient you love to add to your spaghetti? I love hearing new ideas. It’s how recipes grow and get better over time.
The Best Part is the Cheese
That final sprinkle of cheese is my favorite step. You put the lid on and wait. The steam melts it into a gooey, perfect blanket.
It brings everyone to the table. Who in your family gets the most excited about cheesy dinners? In my house, it’s always the kids.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 4 strips, chopped | |
| Kielbasa sausage | 1 ring (13 ounces) | Sliced into ½-inch rounds |
| Yellow onion | 1 | Finely diced |
| Minced garlic | 1 teaspoon | |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Ground beef | 1 pound | |
| Beef broth | 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 teaspoons | |
| Hot sauce | 2 teaspoons | Or to taste |
| Dry spaghetti | 8 ounces | Broken in half |
| Petite diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) | Undrained |
| Tomato sauce | ½ cup (122.5 g) | |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | ½ cup (56.5 g) | Shredded |
| Chives | Chopped, for garnish |
My One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
This recipe always makes me smile. It reminds me of my grandpa. He was a real cowboy, you know. He loved a meal that could all be made in one big pan. Less washing up for me, I say! This dish is so full of good things. You get bacon, sausage, and beef all together. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
It’s a real family favorite in my house. The smell fills the whole kitchen. It makes everyone’s stomachs start to rumble. I love how the cheese gets all melty on top. Let me show you how I make it. It’s easier than you might think.
- Step 1: Grab your big, trusty skillet. Cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I still laugh at how my cat, Boots, comes running for the bacon sound. Scoop the bacon onto a plate. Leave just one spoonful of that tasty bacon grease behind. (My hard-learned tip: Don’t pour the grease down your sink! It will clog the pipes.)
- Step 2: Now, brown your kielbasa slices in that same pan. They get a little color on each side. This only takes a few minutes. Then put them on the plate with the bacon. See how we are building flavors? Everything cooks in the same good juices.
- Step 3: Next, cook the onion in the skillet until it’s soft. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Oh, that smell is just wonderful. It makes the whole house feel cozy. Can you name another vegetable that smells this good when it cooks? Share below!
- Step 4: Time for the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Cook it until it’s not pink anymore. Then carefully drain off the extra fat. We want the flavor, but not all the grease.
- Step 5: Turn the heat down a little. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. It will sizzle and steam. This makes a delicious base for our sauce. Now put the bacon and sausage back in the pan. Give it a good stir.
- Step 6: Here’s the fun part. Break your spaghetti in half. Lay the pieces over the meat in a criss-cross pattern. This helps stop them from sticking together. Then pour the tomatoes and tomato sauce over everything.
- Step 7: Gently press the pasta down into the liquid. Put the lid on and let it simmer. You must stir it every five minutes. This is the secret to perfect pasta. After 20 minutes, the spaghetti will be just right.
- Step 8: Take the lid off and give it one last stir. Now, smooth the top with your spoon. Sprinkle the cheese all over. Cover it again for five minutes. The cheese will get all gooey and perfect. Top it with chives and serve it hot!
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 6 hearty servings
Category: Dinner, One Pot
Three Fun Twists to Try
I love a recipe you can make your own. Sometimes I like to change things up. It keeps dinner exciting. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried over the years. They are all very simple and tasty.
- Beany Cowboy Style: Skip the ground beef. Use a can of black beans and pinto beans instead. It makes a wonderful, hearty vegetarian meal.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions. Use a spicy sausage too. This is for those who like a little fire in their food!
- Summer Garden Version: Stir in a handful of fresh corn and zucchini. Do this right at the end. It tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
How to Serve Your Masterpiece
This spaghetti is a full meal all by itself. But I always like to add a little something. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. It adds a fresh, crunchy bite. Some buttery garlic bread is also a great idea. You can dip it right into the sauce.
For a drink, my husband loves a cold beer with his. An amber ale goes very nicely. For the kids, or for me, I love a tall glass of sweet iced tea. It cools everything down so well. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cowboy Spaghetti Happy
This dish is even better the next day. Let it cool completely first. Then pop it in the fridge for up to four days.
You can freeze it for a future busy night. I use old yogurt containers. They are the perfect size for a single portion.
I once froze a big batch for my grandson. He said it was a lifesaver during exam week. Reheating is simple.
Add a splash of water or broth to a saucepan. Warm it slowly over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps it from drying out.
Batch cooking like this saves you time and money. It means a good meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your pasta sticking to the pot? Just remember to stir it every five minutes. I set a timer so I do not forget.
I remember when my sauce was too watery once. The fix is easy. Let it simmer without the lid for a few extra minutes.
If the flavor feels a bit flat, add a pinch more salt. This wakes up all the other ingredients. Getting these steps right builds your cooking confidence.
It also makes the flavors in your bowl sing. A little attention makes a big difference. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Cowboy Spaghetti Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. It works just as well.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble everything but the cheese. Keep it in the fridge for a day.
Q: What if I do not have kielbasa? A: Use any smoked sausage you like. Andouille sausage adds a nice kick.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Just use a very large pot so everything fits.
Q: Any optional tips? A: A dollop of sour cream on top is delicious. Fun fact: The hot sauce does not just add heat. It makes the tomato flavor richer. Which tip will you try first?
Until Next Time, Friends
I hope you love this cozy, one-pot meal. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. It reminds me of big family dinners.
I would love to see your creation. Sharing food is a way of sharing joy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, and spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crisp, about 7–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- To the skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer kielbasa to the plate with the bacon.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture to help prevent sticking.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Gently press the pasta down so they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. After each stir, replace the lid.
- Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.