Cowboy Spaghetti
A quick and comforting skillet dinner featuring ground beef, spicy sausage, bell peppers, and pasta in a robust marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound spicy sausage (crumbled; Italian or chorizo-style) Use mild sausage for less heat if preferred.
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti Gluten-free or whole-wheat options work fine.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Pre-made marinara can be used.
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and spicy sausage, breaking them into pieces. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Cooking Vegetables
- Add the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Sauce Preparation
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta.
Combining
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Heat everything together for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
Serve garnished with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil. For storage, cool leftovers within two hours and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.