When I’m craving a pasta dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this Cheesy Cowboy Spaghetti Bake with Bacon and Jalapeños is my go-to. It’s the perfect mash-up of creamy spaghetti, smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and layers of gooey cheese — all baked until bubbly and golden. Inspired by Chef Maniac, this recipe takes classic comfort food and kicks it up with smoky spice and cheesy richness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a fun family dinner, or prepping for game day, this cowboy spaghetti bake is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve made countless pasta bakes, but this one stands out for a few reasons:
- A smoky, cheesy twist on spaghetti night — Bacon, jalapeños, and smoked paprika take it to the next level.
- Creamy and savory — The combo of marinara sauce and heavy cream makes a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
- Melty layers of cheddar and pepper jack — Perfectly gooey and a little spicy, just how I like it.
- Crowd-friendly — It’s easy to make and even easier to serve at potlucks, family dinners, or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 jalapeños, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
I start by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once it’s al dente, I drain it and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with the diced onion, sliced jalapeños, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I stir frequently, breaking up the beef and cooking until it’s browned and the onions are soft.
3. Build the Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, I stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step creates a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce that smells amazing as it simmers.
4. Combine and Transfer
I toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and mix well, making sure every strand is coated. Then, I transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Top and Bake
I sprinkle the top generously with shredded cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and crumbled bacon. Then it goes into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, I let it rest for just a couple of minutes, then serve hot. I like to garnish with a few extra jalapeño slices or fresh chopped parsley for color.
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Spaghetti Bake
- Use freshly shredded cheese — It melts smoother and gives better texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce before baking.
- Make it ahead — You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake it fresh when ready.
- Swap the meat — Try using ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Go veggie-friendly — Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms and black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
What to Serve with Cowboy Spaghetti Bake
This dish is filling on its own, but here are a few sides I like to serve with it:
- A crisp green salad with ranch or creamy Italian dressing.
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a little balance.
- Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits for a true Southern-inspired meal.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this without jalapeños?
A: Absolutely! You can leave them out or substitute with mild bell peppers if you prefer less heat.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! This bake freezes well. Just store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: What pasta works best if I don’t have spaghetti?
A: You can easily use penne, rigatoni, or rotini — just cook until al dente.
Why This Cowboy Spaghetti Bake Deserves a Spot on Your Table
If you’re looking for a comfort food casserole that’s cheesy, smoky, and a little spicy, this Cowboy Spaghetti Bake with Bacon and Jalapeños is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table hungry and leaves them asking for seconds. Whether for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or family potlucks, this dish delivers bold, satisfying flavors every single time.
For more delicious comfort food recipes, check out Chef Maniac. And if you make this recipe, let me know if you go bold with the spice or keep it mild — I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
Cheesy Cowboy Spaghetti Bake with Bacon and Jalapeños – Bold, Spicy Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cooked spaghetti, heavy cream, crumbled bacon, and jalapeños. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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