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Cowboy Spaghetti

A comforting and hearty dish that combines bold Southwest flavors with classic Italian cuisine, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Southwestern
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey Can substitute with vegetarian options.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ea bell pepper, diced Any color.
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Can use vegan alternative.
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for sautéing
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
  • Grated cheese, optional for topping

Method
 

Cooking the Spaghetti
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing until they are soft—about 5 minutes.
  2. Toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
Cooking the Meat
  1. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Using a spatula, break it apart as it cooks for about 6-8 minutes, or until fully browned.
Making the Sauce
  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through and well blended.
Combining and Serving
  1. Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and mix until all the noodles are coated, allowing them to soak up the flavors.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and topped with grated cheese if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.