Cowboy Pasta
Okay so this Cowboy Pasta is decidedly NOT Italian, which both attracts and repels my husband EJ at the same time. It attracts him because it is delicious. It repels him because he is Italian and pretty much a purist in his love for Italian food! But, having said that, this meaty, spicy, cheesy noodle dish won him over many years ago! Maybe it’s the bacon? He does love bacon!
EJ is Italian, which– no secret there! He grew up with a pair of 100% Sicilian parents, and his heritage is a great source of pride for him. His precious mother, Marie, was the best cook I have ever known and taught me so much more than just what to do in the kitchen. She was a model of motherly love that I can only hope to live up to in my life. She was just the best!!
EJ’s grandfather, (his father’s dad Anthony), immigrated to America at the age of 13. Anthony came here unable to speak the English language. He was an ambitious, hard worker — like many Italian immigrants in his day. And he gave his all to forge a better life for his future children and grandchildren. There were many sacrifices Anthony had to endure. Like leaving most of his family and friends behind, including his parents. And taking all the risks associated with moving to a new country, trying to make a better life. At such a young age!
All those sacrifices were a future gift. Anthony’s courage and efforts as a young man were the foundation for all the business successes of EJ and EJ’s father. And–most importantly, the examples of faith, excellence, family, integrity, and love were all lived out and ultimately passed down. That example, of course, is much more valuable than any business success.
So how does this even remotely relate to Cowboy Pasta? Well, it is to make the point that EJ is Italian through and through. And maybe there is some kind of original “cowboy” type in there. He doesn’t mind forging new territory and he has certainly faced many challenges in his life! I don’t know. What I do know is this: while being Italian may start with EJ’s heart, it is closely followed by his stomach! He doesn’t normally go for meaty pasta dishes that aren’t Italian, and yet he loves this pasta! I have served it to our family for many years. Not even sure where the original recipe came from. Like a lot of my recipes, it just evolved over time!
This meaty Cowboy Pasta is kinda spicy, kinda smoky, and kinda cheesy. And all kinds of delicious! Oh, and it is made in one big skillet so it’s also easy! Top it off with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, some cheddar cheese and a bit of sour cream. And a few dashes of my fave, Yellowbird hot sauce! So delish!
Cowboy Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces medium egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 to 1½ pounds ground beef
- kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 sweet onion chopped fine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced I use the Dorot brand frozen garlic cubes from Trader Joe's
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce to taste; can use less if desired
- 1 cup beer
- 1 can Rotele tomatoes and green chiles undrained
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- sliced green onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of salted water on the stove to boil for the egg noodles.When it boils, add egg noodles and cook just until al dente, or a bit underdone.
- Meanwhile, in a deep, large skillet, add the olive oil and bacon and cook over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Remove on to paper towels and set aside. Cook ground beef in skillet with leftover bacon grease. While browning, season well with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir and crumble beef and after it begins to brown, add in the onions, garlic, chili powder, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, for several minutes until beef is done and onions are soft. Pour in the beer and reduce slightly. Add in the Rotele and the diced tomatoes and cook about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in about a cup of the cheddar cheese and stir to melt and combine.
- Now add the hot cooked egg noodles into the skillet with the meat mixture and stir well.
- When ready to serve, spoon pasta into serving bowls and top with the crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Can sprinkle on additional hot sauce, if desired. Enjoy!