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Saddle up for a hearty meal with Cowboy Spaghetti! This Tex-Mex twist on a classic favorite combines smoky bacon, spicy sausage, and tangy barbecue sauce for a flavor-packed pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys and cowgirls.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces spaghetti
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, diced green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine the spaghetti and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.
6. Add cheese and serve: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve and enjoy: Divide the Cowboy Spaghetti among serving plates. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty, flavorful dish!
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeños according to your preference.
Enjoy your Cowboy Spaghetti!