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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brown ground beef in the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with the meat sauce. Ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the pasta mixture. Scatter reserved bacon pieces over the cheese.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture. Transfer skillet directly to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- 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