Crockpot Cowboy Spaghetti
This Crockpot Cowboy Spaghetti is an easy, smoky, cheesy, and budget-friendly weeknight dinner that your whole family will love.
Crockpot Cowboy Spaghetti is one of those meals that makes weeknight dinners feel like a breeze. I love throwing everything in the slow cooker and letting it work its magic while I help my kids with homework or tackle that never-ending laundry pile. The smoky flavor from the bacon and spices makes it so comforting, and the melted cheese on top makes my kids happy — it's a win-win for our busy evenings!
Watch Jade make it
Instructions
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove from skillet, crumble, and set aside, reserving a small amount for garnish.
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and green bell pepper over medium heat.
While the beef mixture cooks, season it with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking.
Drain any excess grease from the beef mixture, then transfer it to a slow cooker that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Add the Rotel mild diced tomatoes with green chilies, fire roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the crockpot with the beef.
Stir all ingredients in the crockpot to combine.
Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, separately boil the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
Once the crockpot mixture is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and with cornbread on the side.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure to brown the beef well for extra flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- If you're short on time, you can skip the bacon and use pre-cooked bacon bits instead.
- Stir the cheese in just before serving to keep it melty and delicious.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your family's spice tolerance — a little goes a long way!
- Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you're avoiding wheat; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with extra beans and add some chopped mushrooms.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or corn to bulk it up and sneak in some more nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked spaghetti mixture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and place them in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate it. Just start cooking in the morning.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Just freeze the cooked spaghetti mixture in a freezer-safe container, then thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I use instead of bacon?
You can use turkey bacon or leave it out completely for a lighter dish; just add a little extra seasoning for flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
What’s a good side dish to serve with Cowboy Spaghetti?
Cornbread is a fantastic side that pairs perfectly with the flavors of this dish.
Jade
Hi, I'm Jade — a mom of 3 who believes dinner doesn't have to be complicated. I share easy weeknight recipes, real-life hacks, and everything that keeps our family fed and happy on even the busiest nights. Whether it's a slow cooker dump dinner or a 30-minute skillet meal, my goal is to help you get a home-cooked meal on the table without the stress.
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