This one pot cowboy spaghetti, is rich with bold flavors and vibrant textures. Long spaghetti noodles are tossed with browned ground beef, kielbasa sausage slices, and a savory tomato-based sauce. I topped with melted cheddar cheese that stretches into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy layer that perfectly coats every strand. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of green color and brightness to the dish. Served directly from the skillet, it embodies rustic comfort food that is both filling and family-friendly.
Why One Pot Meals Are the Best
One pot meals like cowboy spaghetti are loved because they simplify cooking and cleanup without sacrificing flavor. When you cook everything in one pot, the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating deep, layered flavors. They are perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you need a comforting dish without the hassle of multiple pans. Plus, one pot meals make it easy to feed a crowd while keeping the cleanup to a minimum.
One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon chopped
- 1 ring 13 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 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 beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti broken in half
- 2 cans 14.5 ounces each diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Fresh chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s 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.
- To the skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer kielbasa to the plate with the bacon.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture to help prevent sticking.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Gently press the pasta down so they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. After each stir, replace the lid.
- Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to fully combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
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Natasha says
Made this for the fam last night and it was FIRE. Instead of salt I used Tony's Cajun seasonings (has salt in it) though. Will make again.
Jay (Spinelli) says
Sounds good! Glad the family enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback!
Bonnye D Ervin says
I can’t wait to try this recipe & I will keep you posted. Thank you
Jay (Spinelli) says
Please do. You're welcome.
Rayah says
I haven't tried it yet, but I already know it is fire!!!. Every recipe that I have tried of yours is excellent. Thank you. Spinelli, You know what's funny is I see a recipe on YouTube from someone else and I will say that looks good. But then I go to your channel to see if you make it, and if so I follow your recipe. I love your channel
Jay (Spinelli) says
Lol. Thank you. I appreciate that.!
kyrstie hopper says
I would love to make this next month how do I save this to email
Jay (Spinelli) says
There a section where you can add your email address to save the recipe.
Elizabeth Davis says
Scroll all the way to the bottom this page. You will see a blue box with an arrow pointing up. Click on it and send to your e-mail.
Shelly Thomas says
I haven't made this one yet, Spinelli, but I can hardly wait to try it! Tell me, do you just lie awake at night thinking up these delicious, easy-to-make, never-before-heard-of recipes to drive us insane with food lust and then slide back and forth under our noses knowing full well we can't have any unless we make it ourselves?!?!?! This is totally unfair and a crime that you do this!!! I'm calling the food police. I don't mind giving it a try, but I would love to try those original groceries from you!!!!! Just kidding. Love your channel, have been a fan for some years and want to add you are one of the best cooks on You Tube! Thanx so much for all you do.
Jay (Spinelli) says
Lol...You're welcome, Shelly.
Bridgette says
Hello Jay, this looks wonderful. I am making it this weekend. Cannot wait. I subscribed too. do you have any cookbooks??
Thanks 😊
Jay (Spinelli) says
Awesome. The only cookbooks I have at the moment are downloadable e-books. I'm preparing for a hard cover cookbook release around Christmas.