Description
Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines ground beef, chili seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, a mix of frozen corn and peas, all tossed with spaghetti and topped with crispy French fried onions and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting casserole brings a southwestern twist to classic spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Meat
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1.75-oz) packet chili seasoning
Vegetables and Sauces
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes & green chiles
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen corn, thawed
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen green peas, thawed
Toppings
- 1 (3-oz) package French fried onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti following the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off the excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, chili seasoning packet, diced tomatoes with green chiles, Worcestershire sauce, spaghetti sauce, thawed corn, and thawed peas. Add the cooked spaghetti and stir everything together until well blended.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the French fried onions on top, then cover with the shredded cheddar cheese to create a crispy, cheesy topping.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the fat from the cooked beef to reduce greasiness in the casserole.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese blend for variation.
- For a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover spaghetti and cooked beef if available.
