Hearty Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Crispy bacon and melted cheese mingle magically in this iron skillet cowboy spaghetti casserole that promises a hearty meal.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a rustic kitchen classic.

Comfort flows from every bubbling bite of this one-pan wonder.

Robust flavors speak to hungry souls craving something substantial and satisfying.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in a dish that feels like a warm hug from the American west.

Cowboys and home cooks alike will adore this easy-to-make meal that comes together in minutes.

You cannot resist the siren call of this cheesy, meaty masterpiece waiting to land on your dinner table.

Why Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole Is A Hearty Hit

• Create a One-Skillet Wonder: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack traditional spaghetti and beef flavors into a hearty casserole that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds for all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra vegetables to personalize this versatile dish without compromising its delicious foundation.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a complete meal in under an hour, using simple techniques that even novice cooks can master with confidence.

What Goes Into Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: The main noodle base that provides hearty texture and absorbs the rich meat sauce.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds robust flavor and substance to the dish.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy element that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Onions, Garlic: These aromatics create a deep, savory foundation for the recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Add moisture and tangy complexity to the meat sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a rich, umami depth to the overall flavor.
• Chili Powder: Brings a subtle warmth and spice to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and heighten the other flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, golden layer that holds the dish together.
• Breadcrumbs: Add a delightful crispy texture to the top of the casserole.
• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, sharp garnish that brightens the final presentation.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the skillet is well-greased to prevent sticking.

How To Make Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Skillet

Warm the oven to 375°F and set the rack in the center. Generously coat a large cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti Perfectly

Boil spaghetti in salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

Cook chopped bacon in the skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove bacon pieces, keeping the flavorful rendered fat in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Caramelize diced onions in the bacon fat until they turn translucent and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and quickly cook for a brief moment.

Step 5: Brown Ground Beef

Crumble ground beef in the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until fully browned, draining excess fat if necessary.

Step 6: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients and let simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets coated with the savory meat sauce.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the pasta mixture. Scatter the reserved crispy bacon pieces on top.

Step 9: Create Crunchy Breadcrumb Layer

Spread breadcrumbs over the cheese for an extra crispy texture.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot and delicious.

Tips For Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole Success

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Crisp bacon thoroughly for maximum smoky depth and crunch, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess fat from beef to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
• Perfect Pasta Consistency: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to maintain a firm bite and prevent mushy texture when baked with sauce.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Spread shredded cheddar evenly to create a uniform melted cheese layer that covers the entire pasta surface.
• Breadcrumb Brilliance: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before topping to add extra crunch and prevent soggy texture during baking.

Delicious Variations For Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Skillet Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Adaptation: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap chili powder for chipotle seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

What To Serve With Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole

• Savor Crisp Beer Pairing: Reach for a hoppy American pale ale that cuts through the rich, meaty pasta with its crisp carbonation and balanced bitterness.
• Match Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty beef and bacon flavors, enhancing the dish's depth.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, zesty contrast against the skillet's heavy, savory profile.
• Cool Creamy Side: Whip up a quick cucumber and dill yogurt sauce to offer a refreshing, cool element that balances the warm, spiced pasta casserole.

How To Store Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs For Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure cooking times match the specific pasta type.

• Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Opt for lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Use reduced-fat cheese and whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the skillet meal beforehand and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs and cheese just before baking to maintain crispness.

• How do I prevent the dish from becoming dry?

Maintain moisture by not overcooking the pasta initially and ensuring sufficient sauce covers the noodles during mixing.

Iron Skillet Cowboy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty iron skillet cowboy spaghetti casserole brings rugged southwestern flavors to classic pasta comfort. Cheesy, spicy layers of beef and noodles create a robust meal perfect for hungry families craving bold southwestern-style dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef

Meat and Protein:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced onions

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center. Generously grease a large cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same cast-iron skillet, crisp chopped bacon over medium heat until golden and rendered. Remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. Sauté diced onions in bacon fat until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Brown ground beef in the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with the meat sauce. Ensure even distribution of ingredients.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the pasta mixture. Scatter reserved bacon pieces over the cheese.
9. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture. Transfer skillet directly to the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and rich flavor that intensifies the overall dish texture.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese to boost the robust, tangy profile of the casserole’s taste.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for low-carb adaptation.
• Allow skillet to cool slightly before serving to help sauce thicken and prevent burning tongues during meal time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg