One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti – A Bold & Hearty One-Pan Dinner
One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for meat lovers, pasta lovers, and anyone who appreciates a hearty dinner packed with bold flavors. Loaded with three different meats (bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef), tender spaghetti, and a savory tomato-based sauce covered in melted cheddar, this dish will keep even the hungriest cowboys satisfied.
With just one skillet needed from start to finish, this recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a hectic weeknight or entertaining friends who love a stick-to-your-ribs meal, this One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
There’s so much to love about a recipe that is easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Here’s why this dish ride-or-dies its way into your weekly meal plan:
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One pot = minimal cleanup — less time doing dishes, more time relaxing.
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Three types of meat in one dish — smoky bacon, juicy kielbasa, and savory beef.
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Feeds a crowd — great for hungry families or game-day gatherings.
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Already packed with flavor without requiring fancy ingredients.
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Versatile — customize spice, cheese, meats, or vegetables easily.
Cowboy food is known for being filling, flavorful, and straightforward — and this one hits every mark perfectly.
What is Cowboy Spaghetti?
Cowboy Spaghetti is a Southwest-inspired pasta dish that adds smoky meats, tangy tomato sauce, a kick of heat, and sharp cheddar cheese to create a hearty and comforting meal. Think of it as a cross between chili mac, spaghetti, and a meat-lovers’ feast — all cooked in a single pan for maximum simplicity and flavor.
This recipe takes that idea to the next level by using three meats and absorbing every bit of flavor directly into the pasta. It’s indulgent, rustic, and undeniably delicious.
Ingredients You Need for One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
Below are the exact ingredients used to build the meaty, cheesy flavor profile of this dish:
Meat & Aromatics
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▢ 4 strips bacon, chopped
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▢ 1 ring kielbasa sausage (13 ounces), sliced into ½-inch rounds
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▢ 1 yellow onion, finely diced
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▢ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
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▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
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▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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▢ 1 pound ground beef
Liquids & Seasonings
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▢ 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) beef broth
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▢ 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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▢ 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or more to taste
Pasta, Tomatoes & Cheese
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▢ 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
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▢ 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
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▢ ½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce
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▢ ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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▢ Chopped chives, for garnish
How to Make One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
This dish is not only full of comfort — it’s incredibly easy. Just follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 — Cook the Bacon
Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7–8 minutes, until crisped. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the skillet.
Step 2 — Brown the Kielbasa
Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Transfer to the bacon plate.
Step 3 — Sauté Onion & Garlic
Cook diced onion in the skillet until soft, about 3–5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook 1 more minute.
Step 4 — Brown the Beef
Add ground beef, breaking it up while cooking for 5–8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Step 5 — Add Liquids & Seasonings
Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
Return the bacon and kielbasa to the skillet and mix well.
Step 6 — Add the Pasta
Lay the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern to prevent clumping.
Top with diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Press pasta down gently so it’s mostly submerged.
Step 7 — Cover & Simmer
Cover with a lid and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
Step 8 — Add Cheese
Uncover, stir everything together fully, then sprinkle cheddar over the top. Cover and let melt for 5 minutes.
Step 9 — Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh chives and serve steaming hot!
Tips for the Best One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
If you want the absolute best version of this Cowboy Spaghetti recipe, follow these pro-level tips:
✔ Use sharp cheddar for the boldest cheesy flavor
✔ Stir every 5 minutes to prevent pasta from sticking
✔ Don’t rinse your pasta — starch helps thicken the sauce
✔ Add extra broth if sauce reduces too quickly
✔ Browning each meat separately builds layers of flavor
This is cowboy cooking at its finest — rustic and robust.
Variations & Substitutions
This dish is incredibly flexible. Try these delicious twists:
| Variation | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Spicy Cowboy Spaghetti | Add jalapeños, extra hot sauce, cayenne or spicy pepper jack cheese |
| Veggie-Loaded | Add bell peppers, corn, black beans, or spinach |
| Different Meats | Try chorizo, Andouille, chicken sausage, or pulled pork |
| Creamy Cowboy Pasta | Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream before the cheddar |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF spaghetti and ensure sausage is GF |
| BBQ Cowboy Version | Add ¼ cup BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness |
You can make this dish as fiery, cheesy, or hearty as you prefer — the cowboy way.
What to Serve with One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
Although this dish is a complete meal, here are great pairing ideas for larger dinners:
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Tossed green salad with ranch
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Cornbread or garlic toast
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Roasted vegetables or grilled corn
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Simple fruit salad for a refreshing side
It’s also delicious with iced tea or lemonade — true Western comfort.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti stores perfectly for leftovers.
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze in portions |
| Reheat | Microwave or stovetop | Add splash of broth if sauce thickens |
The flavors get even better the next day — the perfect meal prep recipe!
FAQs – One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
Can I use different pasta?
Yes — penne, rotini, or linguine work well, just adjust liquid as needed.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Reheats perfectly and maintains its hearty texture.
What if the pasta isn’t fully cooked?
Add ¼ cup more broth and continue simmering a few more minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a larger pot to accommodate the pasta expanding while cooking.
One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti – A Bold & Hearty One-Pan Dinner
This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal! Packed with three hearty meats — bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef — plus tender spaghetti and melty cheddar cheese, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys at the table. Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner easy enough for any night of the week!
Ingredients
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4 strips bacon, chopped
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1 (13 oz) ring kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
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1 yellow onion, finely diced
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 pound ground beef
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1 ½ cups (12 oz / 360 g) beef broth
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2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons hot sauce (or to taste)
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8 oz dry spaghetti, broken in half
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2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
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½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce
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½ cup (56.5 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until crisp, 7–8 minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
2️⃣ Brown the Kielbasa
Add kielbasa slices and cook until browned, 4–5 minutes.
Remove and add to the plate with bacon.
3️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
Add onion and cook 3–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute more.
4️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef
Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 5–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
5️⃣ Add Liquids & Return Meats
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
Return cooked bacon and kielbasa to skillet.
6️⃣ Add Pasta & Tomatoes
Place broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over meat to prevent sticking.
Pour diced tomatoes with liquid and tomato sauce over top.
Press pasta slightly to submerge.
7️⃣ Simmer to Cook
Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
Replace lid each time.
Cook until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
8️⃣ Cheesy Finish
Remove lid, stir everything together, smooth the top.
Sprinkle cheddar over the surface, cover, and let melt for 5 minutes.
9️⃣ Serve
Top with fresh chives and enjoy hot!
Notes
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Want it thicker? Simmer uncovered for the last 3–5 minutes.
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Extra heat → Add jalapeños or swap for spicy kielbasa.
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Veggie boost → Mix in corn or bell peppers.
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Make ahead → Reheats great for meal prep lunches!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Estimates vary based on brands used.
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Calories: ~540
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Fat: 32g
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Protein: 33g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 1080mg
This is a hearty, indulgent meal fit for champions with big appetites.
Final Thoughts on This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
If you’re looking for a dinner that is:
✔ bold
✔ filling
✔ easy to make
✔ made in one pot
✔ packed with meat and flavor
…this One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is everything you need.
It’s the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again — a comforting, family-approved dinner that tastes like it came straight from an old Western cookfire, but with the simplicity of a modern kitchen.
Serve it up for weeknight comfort, game-day crowds, or whenever you need a satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table fast. Add it to your recipe rotation and watch it become a new house favorite.
