One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti
Are you looking for a simple yet hearty meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table? Look no further than One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti! This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of bacon and kielbasa with the comforting texture of spaghetti, all cooked conveniently in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
A Personal Story Behind My One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti Journey
Growing up, I fondly remember family dinners filled with laughter and delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen. My mother often made one-pot meals that not only saved time but also brought everyone together to enjoy hearty portions. One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of those joyful evenings, where every bite was filled with love and warmth. Now, I love sharing this recipe with my own family, creating new memories while enjoying the familiar tastes of home.
What Makes This One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it combines the smoky richness of bacon and the savory flavor of kielbasa, creating a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. The use of just one pot not only cuts down on cleanup time but also allows the spaghetti to absorb all the delicious flavors of the meat and sauce as it cooks. Plus, with the addition of sharp cheddar cheese, each serving is topped with a creamy finish that brings everything together beautifully. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
The Full One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 13 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cans petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces each), undrained
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned and slightly crisp. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the sliced kielbasa in the skillet until browned on both sides. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Cook the ground beef in the skillet until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Arrange the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture. This helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
- Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti
This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, consider adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach right before serving. If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste. Additionally, you can swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The possibilities are endless, making this one-pot meal a great base for your culinary creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge. Just cook the dish when you’re ready for a delicious meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this spaghetti can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can omit the bacon and kielbasa and substitute with your favorite vegetables or beans for added protein. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Enjoy the hearty flavors of this One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti in just one pot!
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per Serving: 540
Servings: 6
One-Pot Bacon Kielbasa Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Skillet For cooking the entire dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 13 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned and slightly crisp. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the sliced kielbasa in the skillet until browned on both sides. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Cook the ground beef in the skillet until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Arrange the broken spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern over the meat mixture. This helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and tomato sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
- Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once the pasta is al dente, remove the lid and stir to combine the pasta and sauce. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.