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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) Cowboy spaghetti starts with a solid base. First, cook the spaghetti. I love using 12 ounces. It gives a nice amount for sharing. Next, the ground beef adds rich flavor and protein. One pound is just right. Then, we need fresh veggies: a medium onion, two cloves of minced garlic, and one diced bell pepper. Use any color bell pepper you like. This mix brings great taste and texture. - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings make this dish stand out. I use two tablespoons of taco seasoning for a fun kick. Smoked paprika adds a warm depth. A teaspoon will do. Don’t forget salt and pepper. Adjust these to your taste. They help balance all the flavors. - Shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro Toppings finish the dish perfectly. I love adding shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully on top. Fresh cilantro adds a bright note. Just sprinkle some on before serving. This makes your cowboy spaghetti not just tasty, but also pretty! Sautéing Onion and Garlic Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced onion and cook it for about three to four minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Then, toss in two minced garlic cloves. Stir it all for two minutes. The smell will be amazing! Adding Bell Pepper Next, add one diced bell pepper. You can use any color you like—red, green, or yellow. Cook for another two minutes. This adds great flavor and color to your dish. Cooking Until No Longer Pink Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the ground beef. Add one pound of ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s brown and no longer pink, which should take about five to seven minutes. Draining Excess Fat Once the beef is browned, you may see some fat at the bottom. Carefully drain this excess fat. This helps keep your dish tasty and not greasy. Adding Tomatoes and Broth Now, pour in one can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and one cup of beef broth. This will give your spaghetti a rich flavor. Stir it all together. Incorporating Spaghetti and Beans Finally, add twelve ounces of spaghetti and one can of rinsed black beans. Make sure the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid. Also, toss in one cup of frozen corn. Stir well to combine everything. Now you are ready to cook! Adjusting Seasonings Adjusting the seasonings is key. Start with the taco seasoning and smoked paprika. Taste as you go. If it needs more spice, add a bit more seasoning. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of salt. This will help bring out all the flavors. Don't forget to add some black pepper for a little kick! Using Fresh vs. Canned Ingredients Using fresh ingredients can boost flavor. Fresh veggies like bell peppers add crunch. However, canned tomatoes and beans save time. They also work well in this dish. Just make sure to rinse canned beans to cut down on sodium. Fresh or canned, both options will make your meal tasty. Ensuring Spaghetti is Submerged When you add the spaghetti, make sure it is submerged. This helps it cook evenly. Stir the pot a few times to mix it well. If needed, add a bit more beef broth. This keeps the pasta from sticking. A well-simmered spaghetti will soak up all the flavors. Managing Heat for Optimal Cooking Control the heat while cooking. Start with medium heat to bring everything to a boil. Then, lower the heat to let it simmer. A gentle simmer lets the spaghetti cook just right. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This will help the flavors blend together well. Pairing with Side Dishes Pair your One-Pot Cowboy Spaghetti with a fresh salad. A green salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve it with garlic bread. Both options add more flavor to the meal. They make it feel extra special. Options for Vegetarian Variations For a vegetarian twist, swap out the beef. Use mushrooms or lentils instead. They both add great texture and taste. You can also include more vegetables like zucchini or spinach. This makes the dish hearty and healthy without meat. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Ground beef is common, but turkey, chicken, or even tofu work well. Each choice brings a unique flavor. For a lighter meal, try turkey or chicken. Tofu is great for a vegan option. You can also swap the vegetables. Use zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach instead of bell peppers. Each vegetable adds its own taste and texture. Mix and match based on what you have at home. This flexibility keeps the dish exciting. Experimenting with spices is fun. Try adding cumin, chili powder, or oregano for a twist. Each spice changes the dish’s flavor. You can also think about fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, for a fresh taste. If you like heat, add hot sauce. A few dashes can spice things up. You can also mix in jalapeños for a bold kick. Adjust the spice to suit your taste buds. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that cook well. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal. If you want a vegan dish, replace beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a richer taste. Make sure to skip the cheese topping or use a vegan cheese. These swaps keep the dish flavorful and satisfying for all diets. To store leftover One-Pot Cowboy Spaghetti, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, eat it within two days. I suggest using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal tightly and prevent spills. Plus, they help keep your spaghetti safe from odors in the fridge. When it's time to eat again, reheating is key. The best method is using the stove. Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of liquid and cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. This way, your spaghetti stays soft and full of flavor. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Let the spaghetti cool completely before you freeze it. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Cook it on low power until it's warm. Reheat it on the stove as needed to bring back its texture. Look for a few signs. First, check the color. It should look light and firm. Then, taste a strand. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. This is called "al dente." Usually, spaghetti takes about 8 to 12 minutes to cook. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold up in your dish. Yes, you can! Making this dish ahead saves time. Cook it as usual, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Get creative with toppings! Besides shredded cheddar cheese, try crumbled feta or Monterey Jack. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add flavor, too. You can also use sliced jalapeños for heat. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole makes it extra tasty. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! In this blog post, we explored all your needs for making Cowboy Spaghetti. We covered the necessary ingredients like spaghetti, ground beef, and fresh veggies. I explained how to sauté your base, brown the beef, and combine those tasty flavors. You also learned about tips for the best spicing and serving ideas. With these simple steps, you can make a dish your friends and family will love. Enjoy eating this meal and feel free to personalize it to your taste!

One-Pot Cowboy Spaghetti

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this One-Pot Cowboy Spaghetti recipe! Packed with savory ground beef, beans, and spices, this easy meal comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's delicious and satisfying for the whole family. Get ready to impress with minimal cleanup! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the Wild West to your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup beef broth

1 cup frozen corn

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

        Sprinkle the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.

          Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, spaghetti, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together, ensuring the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid.

            Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up. If desired, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

                Serve hot, garnished with remaining cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro on top.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6