Cowboy Spaghetti is a richer, fuller-bodied variant of the Classic Spaghetti, married with the essence of robust flavors from the American West and that of traditional Italian pasta. It is a dish that takes smoky bacon, richness from beef, and the tang of barbeque sauce, all tossed with spaghetti and finished with cheese.
From those early days of cowboy-style cooking in the American frontier, Cowboy Spaghetti has evolved past the chuck wagon into nighttime nibble and a huge family favorite comfort food. This very simple spaghetti dish is paired with bold and meaty flavors that, in all likelihood, the cowboys themselves could have relished after all the daylong herding. Whether you are out with your friends for a casual dinner or you need something new for the family table, Cowboy Spaghetti is a sure flavor and hit of nostalgia.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. spaghetti
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 can, 14.5 oz, diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 stalks of chopped green onions, to garnish, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe
Cook the spaghetti: Boil spaghetti per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Meat Sauce: Put the bacon in a large skillet, cook over medium heat to a crispy point. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. Using the same skillet, brown ground beef and onion until the beef is brown and the onion softens. Throw in the garlic and cook a bit longer.
Add the remaining ingredients: BBQ sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes or until the sauce just starts to thicken.
Toss with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti right to the skillet; toss the pasta from the skillet to mix and coat with the sauce. Stir in the crispy bacon.
Cheese Me This: Top off the pasta mixture with shredded cheddar cheese so it can melt into the toppings. You can also add a finishing touch to the dish with sliced green onions and serve it family-style so everyone can take what they would like.
Atta Cowboy: The Cowboy Spaghetti is done as soon as it is prepared and still on the fire.
Cowboy spaghetti is a high-energy, dense food. The fuel provided for this preparation comes from protein, carbohydrates, and fats. A single typical serving provides sufficient proteins from the beef and bacon, carbohydrates from pasta, and fats from cheese and bacon. It is a tasty dish that should be served in moderation because it provides relatively higher fat and sodium values.
Also read: Master the Art of Cooking Authentic Italian Pasta at Home
Nutritional Value
| S.N | Nutrition | Value |
| 1. | Fat | 29g |
| 2. | Cholesterol | 117mg |
| 3. | Sodium | 1406mg |
| 4. | Carbs | 24g |
| 5. | Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| 6. | Sugars | 5g |
| 7. | Protein | 40g |
| 8. | Vitamin C | 20mg |
| 9. | Calcium | 255mg |
| 10. | Iron | 5mg |
| 11. | Potassium | 893mg |
Health Benefits
Though Cowboy Spaghetti is a very comforting and indulgent dish, it provides some very crucial elements, including protein, iron, and B vitamins coming from the beef and bacon. While the tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamins A and C, the entire dish can serve as a worthwhile source of energy. It could go a long way in making this dish quite healthier if one uses whole grain pasta, cuts down the high-fat cheese, or uses a low-fat variety.
Cowboy spaghetti is flavorful and hearty, a very fine combination of American and Italian flavors. It is for those who prefer bold-bodied food with a spurt of pulsating seasoning. It’s quick and easy, yet poised to amaze, and hence the favorite choice for any dinner service.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use any other type of pasta?
Yes, you can have the spaghetti replaced by any other kind you like: penne or rigatoni.
2. How can I make this healthier?
Whole-grain pasta with less cheese, a more substantial slice of bacon, or leaner-cut meat.
3. What can I serve with cowboy spaghetti?
Steamed vegetables or a tossed salad.
