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If you’ve ever wanted to give your traditional spaghetti night a little country flair, Cowboy Spaghetti is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. Packed with bold flavors, smoky spices, and a hearty mix of sausage, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this dish brings a touch of the ranch to your dinner table.

This recipe is especially great for busy weeknights or chilly evenings when you want something filling and flavorful without a ton of effort. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up venison sausage if you’ve got some stocked in your freezer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb. venison breakfast sausage
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more for pasta
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with liquid)
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make Cowboy Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the sausage

In a large Dutch oven, cook the venison sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbly. Add the garlic, jalapeño, and onion to the drippings and cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), beans, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain—reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Combine and serve

Remove the sauce from heat. Toss in the spaghetti, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.

Pro tip: This is extra delicious with a side of garlic bread or cornbread!

Variations & Tips

• Swap venison for ground beef, bison, or pork sausage—whatever you’ve got on hand.
• Add crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
• For more heat, leave the seeds in your jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Want a creamier sauce? Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.

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Why You’ll Love It

Cowboy Spaghetti is everything you love about a classic spaghetti dinner—but heartier, bolder, and just a little bit wild. It’s a great recipe for feeding a crowd, impressing guests, or using up that wild game from hunting season. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s earned a permanent spot in our family meal rotation.