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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups canned diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Cowboy spaghetti needs simple yet hearty ingredients. The star is the spaghetti itself. I love using 12 oz of spaghetti; it cooks well and absorbs the sauce nicely. Ground beef adds rich flavor and protein. For veggies, I use a mix of colorful bell peppers. They bring crunch and sweetness. Corn adds a pop of flavor, too. Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies give the dish a nice kick. For seasonings, chili powder adds warmth. Ground cumin gives a subtle earthiness. Smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of smoke. I always finish with shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully on top. Fresh cilantro can add a burst of freshness if you like. These ingredients come together to create a filling meal for the whole family. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the best Cowboy Spaghetti, focus on two main points. First, avoid overcooking the spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it has a slight bite. This keeps the texture firm when you mix it with the sauce. Second, when browning the beef, use medium heat. This helps it cook evenly without burning. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This will give you nice, browned bits that add flavor. For a great meal, pair your Cowboy Spaghetti with garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread complements the hearty pasta. Serve the spaghetti in rustic bowls for a cozy look. This adds charm and makes it feel special. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top to make it more inviting. To boost the flavor of your Cowboy Spaghetti, consider adding extra spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. Fresh ingredients like chopped parsley or basil can brighten the dish. You can also try using fresh corn if it’s in season. This adds sweetness and crunch, making the meal even better. If you want to change the meat in Cowboy Spaghetti, there are great options. Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef. These choices are lean and still tasty. You can also go meatless! Use lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian option. These substitutes keep the dish hearty and filling. Adding more veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Zucchini or mushrooms make excellent additions. Chop them up and toss them in when you sauté the onions and garlic. Beans are another great choice. Black beans or kidney beans add protein and texture. They blend well with the spices and make the dish even more satisfying. You can switch up the cheese for different flavors. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you like heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. These additions can turn a mild dish into a fiery feast. Experimenting with flavors keeps Cowboy Spaghetti exciting for everyone at the table. Pro Tips Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: Ensure the spaghetti is cooked just until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the meat mixture. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack can add a nice twist to the dish. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist. {{image_4}} Cowboy Spaghetti is a great meal for families. It lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in a tight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with a good seal. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can freeze Cowboy Spaghetti for up to 3 months. First, let it cool down before packing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use a microwave or a pot on low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Don't let any of that tasty spaghetti go to waste! You can use leftovers in many fun ways. Try turning it into a casserole. Just layer the spaghetti with cheese and bake until bubbly. Another idea is to mix it into a soup. It adds great flavor and makes a nice meal. Cowboy Spaghetti is a fun, hearty dish that mixes spaghetti with ground beef and veggies. It has roots in cowboy culture. This meal is filling and easy to make. It brings together the flavors of tomatoes, spices, and cheese for a satisfying dinner. Yes, you can! Prepare Cowboy Spaghetti a day before. Make the sauce with beef, veggies, and spices. Cook the spaghetti and mix it in just before serving. Store the sauce and pasta separately in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. To spice up Cowboy Spaghetti, add more chili powder. You can also toss in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These will bring extra heat to the dish. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Cowboy Spaghetti pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and flavor. A salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the meal. Try these sides for a complete dinner experience. Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great option. It adds fiber and nutrients to the meal. The taste is similar, so it works well with the rich sauce. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Cowboy spaghetti combines basic ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and spices. You learned how to cook it step-by-step, from boiling spaghetti to mixing all the flavors. I shared tips for perfecting this dish and options for meat alternatives or extra veggies. You can store, freeze, and even repurpose leftovers creatively. Make it your own by adding spices or fresh ingredients. Enjoy this dish with friends and family; it’s sure to please everyone!

Cowboy Spaghetti Extravaganza

A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish with ground beef, vegetables, and a cheesy topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside, ensuring to keep it warm.
  • Brown the Beef: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Using a spatula, break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the skillet.
  • Sauté Vegetables: To the skillet with the browned beef, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Next, introduce the diced bell peppers and corn to the mixture, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  • Combine Ingredients: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, then stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine everything, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Mix with Spaghetti: Add the warm cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together carefully using tongs or a large spoon until the pasta is completely coated in the rich sauce.
  • Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat, allowing the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cowboy Spaghetti hot, with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a colorful and fragrant garnish if desired.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, cheesy, one-pot meal, spaghetti