Name: Rustic Rancher Spaghetti Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces dry spaghetti; 6 strips bacon (chopped); 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ cup yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 15-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles; 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 green onions (sliced); 1 small jalapeño (thinly sliced (optional))

Rustic Rancher Spaghetti Skillet

A 30-minute, one-pan spaghetti loaded with crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheddar—a hearty twist on a classic pasta dinner.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 466

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

8 ounces dry spaghetti
6 strips bacon chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 15-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
2 green onions sliced
1 small jalapeño thinly sliced (optional)

Method

Preheat the oven’s broiler. Place chopped bacon on a lined baking sheet and broil until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Remove bacon and reserve drippings in the pan.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water to al dente. Drain and set aside.
Over medium heat, add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Season with a pinch of salt & pepper. Cook until beef is browned and onions are translucent.
Stir in garlic and chili powder; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Worcestershire sauce, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toss the drained spaghetti and half the crispy bacon into the sauce. Stir until well coated.
Sprinkle cheddar over the top. Transfer skillet to the oven and broil 2–3 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
Garnish with green onions, remaining bacon, and jalapeño slices before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 31gFat: 23gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 480mg

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Give classic spaghetti a bold makeover with this Rustic Rancher Skillet. Crisped bacon under the broiler lends a smoky crunch while seasoned beef, Rotel tomatoes, and mounds of cheddar create a saucy, cheesy feast—all ready in half an hour.

A serving of Rustic Rancher Spaghetti Skillet in a white bowl.

Why You’ll Adore This Skillet Dinner

Speedy & Simple: Ready in 30 minutes and finished under the broiler.
One-Pan Cleanup: From bacon to cheese, it all happens in a single skillet.
Family-Pleaser: Mild heat with optional jalapeño makes it easy to tailor to young and bold palates alike.
Perfect Pairings: Serve alongside cheesy garlic bread and a crisp salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your broiler and crisp the chopped bacon on a lined baking sheet (5–7 minutes). Save the rendered fat in the pan.
Boil salted water and cook spaghetti to al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté ground beef and onions in the hot skillet with bacon fat. Season lightly and cook until beef is cooked through.
Add garlic and chili powder; cook 30 seconds.
Stir in Worcestershire, Rotel, and tomato sauce. Simmer 3–4 minutes until flavors meld.
Toss in pasta and half the bacon until everything is saucy and combined.
Top with cheddar and broil 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and browns.
Garnish with green onions, remaining bacon, and jalapeño slices. Serve immediately.

Special Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of beef broth when you stir in the tomato sauce—this deepens the savory notes and keeps the skillet saucier.

Variations & Add-Ins

Spicy Upgrade: Stir in chipotle in adobo or use the hot Rotel variety.
Veggie Boost: Toss in a handful of black beans or corn kernels at the end.
Cheese Swap: Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack melt beautifully for a different twist.