One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef with tender spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, it’s comfort food made simple with minimal cleanup.

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 and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer the 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; cook for 1 more minute.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, 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 their liquid and the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet 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: Once 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 has melted.
12. Step 12: Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute spicy sausage for kielbasa if you prefer a bit more heat.
• Use smoked paprika or chili powder to deepen the smoky flavor.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before adding the cheese.
• If you like your pasta less saucy, reduce the broth by ¼ cup.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well in this dish. Adjust cooking times as needed since different pasta shapes cook differently.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Omit the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef. Use a plant-based protein or extra vegetables, and substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.

One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

This One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, smoky kielbasa, and ground beef simmered with spaghetti in a savory tomato broth. With the convenience of cooking everything in a single skillet, this recipe delivers a comforting and cheesy pasta dinner garnished with fresh chives for a touch of brightness.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein

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

Vegetables 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
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup (122.5 g) tomato sauce

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
• ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Cook bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp, about 7–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Cook kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté 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 an additional 1 minute.
4. Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
5. Add liquids and seasonings: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until evenly combined.
6. Combine cooked meats: Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat and sauce mixture.
7. Add spaghetti: Spread broken spaghetti pieces in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture to help prevent sticking.
8. Pour tomatoes and sauce: Evenly pour the diced tomatoes with their liquid along with the tomato sauce over the spaghetti and meat mixture.
9. Simmer pasta: Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Replace lid after each stir.
10. Finish stirring: Once pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
11. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover, and let sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
12. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped chives over the dish for garnish and serve hot.

Notes

• Breaking spaghetti in half helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Stirring every 5 minutes is important to avoid burning or sticking on the bottom of the skillet.
• You can adjust the hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
• Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tangy flavor; feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste.
• For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.

Keywords: One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti, cowboy spaghetti, skillet spaghetti, bacon kielbasa spaghetti, one pot pasta, hearty pasta recipe