Cowboy Spaghetti is a western twist on the usual spaghetti. It’s kind of a mix of tacos, chili, with noodles. Is it hearty enough for you?
Cowboy Spaghetti
Before our move, I had to try to use up what was in our pantry. I really didn’t want to have to move more stuff than we had to – and believe me, we moved a lot of stuff! You know what they say, right? Necessity is the mother of invention! Let me tell you, it is the truth!
I had some random stuff in my pantry and wanted to make a “different” kind of pasta dish to use up some of the stuff I had. Now, I don’t know about your family, but mine will eat most anything that has noodles in it! I also knew I wanted something with a little kick …. and maybe borderline Tex-Mex because, we were moving to Arizona after all! I didn’t necessarily want a runny sauce like traditional spaghetti sauce – but something a little more chunky and rugged.
To tell the truth, I have no idea what cowboys ate .. or do eat. This dish just reminded me of something they would eat. I threw this together and it was a hit with the family! The sauce is reminiscent of cross between a less liquid chili and a taco-y kind of mix – if that makes any sense? Any who – I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine! 🙂
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Cowboy Spaghetti
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 green pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained 15 oz. each
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes, undrained 10 oz.
- 1 can tomato sauce 8 oz.
- 1 can black beans, drained 15 oz.
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- pinch cayenne powder optional
- spaghetti noodles
Suggested toppings
- shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, black olives, green onions, avocados, chopped tomatoes, crushed Fritos
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown and crumble the beef with the onion and green pepper until the meat is no longer pink. Drain if necessary. Add remaining sauce ingredients and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- To serve, top cooked noodles with sauce and any desired toppings.
Notes
- Customize the dish by trying new types of beans or plain tomatoes without peppers!
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on April 11, 2013. Updated on April 22, 2021.
Looks delicious! And I am on a kind of Mexican "foodtrip" this week 😉
Jamie, this looks delicious & totally a dish my kids would love 🙂
This sounds delish!!
Thanks for sharing.
The Busy Bee's,
Myrna and Joye.
love the combinations of flavors..sounds delicious!
Wow! Looks amazing!! I'm gonna have to give it a try!
Just looking at this made me hungry! haha
I see my teenage son whipping this up and thinking it pretty cool.. cowboy food, yeah. Hope all goes well for you… are you settling in well?
Yummmm!! My favourite taco ingredients on top of spaghetti… yes please!!
Hi Jamie,
This is a pure comfort food for us, we will just love it! Thank you very much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Yum!! I'd love to taste it over spaghetti squash!
FYI~ We are having this for dinner…although slightly different. I call it Taco 'Sketti!
This sounds really delicious–gonna have to try it!
Looks yummy!
I'm a new follower from the blog hop!
Elizabeth
http://www.craftemagee.com
What a delicious, hearty meal. Thanks for sharing on Thursdays Treasures.
This looks like a yummy and hearty comfort food! Glad I found you on Marvelous Mondays! Blessings to you!
That looks fantastic! I cannot wait to make this for the family.
This sounds heartier than a traditional spaghetti and I'm sure my fam. would love it.
This looks like a great filling meal! I can't wait to try it:)
Shannon@CozyCountryLiving
Yum! It's like tacos over spaghetti- the kids will love it.
Sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing.
This looks delicious. I'm definitely adding this to my dinner list!
Also, I have a weekly link party, Manic Monday, that I'd like to invite you to. It runs Sunday through Thursday. I hope to see you there!
Renea – http://cupcake-n-bake.blogspot.com
This sounds really good. I love all the cheesy goodness on it! What a great combination of flavors and topping too!
Thank you for linking up to the In and Out of the Kitchen link party! Can't wait to see what you bring next week!
Hope you are getting settled!
Cynthia at http://FeedingBig.com
Thank you so much for sharing on Show Me Your Plaid Monday's!
Hi Jamie that looks so yummy! I'd love to have you drop by & link up your recipe (s) sometime @ DearCreatives.com Hope this finds you well.
Yum, this looks good, It reminds me of chili mac! Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Mondays, Jamie. Pinned to my MM board!
I'm a spaghetti lover! Very different and I must try! Thank you for sharing this @ The Show Off Blog Party 🙂
Jessica
The Wondering Brain
Love this idea! My boys would flip for it! I am pinning it and if blogged, will of course link back to you! Thanks for sharing at Church Supper. Have a blessed week & come back soon ~EMM
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing at Delicately Constructed!
Sounds good and seems simple, I think my husband would actually eat this too!