One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish combining smoky bacon, savory kielbasa, and ground beef with tender spaghetti all cooked together in a rich tomato sauce. This all-in-one meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 ring (13 ounces) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
• 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce
• ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until 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.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer kielbasa to the plate with the bacon.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Add the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture to help prevent sticking.
8. Step 8: Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top. Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
9. Step 9: Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. After each stir, replace the lid.
10. Step 10: When the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
12. Step 12: Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the hot sauce or substitute with smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
• You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro instead of chives for a different garnish.

Storage

Store leftover cowboy spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free spaghetti and check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 78 reviews

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, smoky kielbasa, ground beef, and tender spaghetti simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This comforting skillet meal features a perfect blend of spices and melted sharp cheddar cheese, making it an easy, satisfying dinner all cooked in a single pan.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sausage

• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 ring (13 ounces) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 pound ground beef

Produce and Aromatics

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• chives, chopped, for garnish

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
• ½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce

Pantry Staples

• 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dairy

• ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until 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.
2. Brown the Kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes, then transfer to the plate with the bacon.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the meat mixture.
6. Return Meats to Skillet: Add the cooked bacon and kielbasa back to the skillet, stirring to combine evenly with the mixture.
7. Add Pasta and Tomatoes: Lay the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat to help prevent sticking. Pour the diced tomatoes (with liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top.
8. Simmer Pasta: Gently press the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium-low for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Replace the lid after each stir.
9. Combine and Add Cheese: Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped chives over the melted cheese and serve the dish hot.

Notes

• Make sure to stir the pasta every 5 minutes during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
• You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
• Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tangy flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese.
• Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the skillet and cooks evenly.
• Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: one pot spaghetti,cowboy spaghetti,bacon kielbasa spaghetti,easy skillet meal,ground beef spaghetti,comfort food one pot recipe