Description
This hearty Cowboy Spaghetti recipe combines ground beef with a flavorful mix of onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, creating a delicious meat sauce served over tender spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect, satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Topping
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and cook vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the vegetables have softened and are tender.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings, simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and top generously with the prepared meat sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding fresh chilies.
- For a creamier variation, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier, high-fiber option.
