Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheese, and a tangy dressing, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. It’s a filling and satisfying twist on traditional pasta salad, perfect for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)ground beefbaconshredded cheddar cheesecherry tomatoesred onioncornblack beansmayonnaisebarbecue sauceDijon mustardhot sauce (optional)parsley or cilantro (for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess grease and let it cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using) to create the dressing.

Add the cooled pasta, cooked beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, and black beans to the bowl.

Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss everything together until well coated.

Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesAssembly time: 10 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.

Use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.

Include pickled jalapeños for more heat.

Swap out the barbecue sauce for ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store Cowboy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.If it becomes a bit dry, add a small amount of mayonnaise or dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie work best to hold the dressing and other ingredients.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or use spicy barbecue sauce.

Can I leave out the bacon?

Yes, but it adds a lot of flavor. Consider substituting with turkey bacon if needed.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking labels on sauces.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, a smoky ranch or chipotle dressing would work well if you’re short on time.

How do I keep the salad from drying out?

Add a bit more dressing right before serving if needed, especially if made ahead of time.

Can I freeze Cowboy Pasta Salad?

Freezing is not recommended as pasta and dressing textures will change.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or green onions make great additions.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s hearty, cheesy, and flavorful, making it popular with kids too.

Conclusion

Cowboy Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of comfort food and zesty flavors, making it a standout dish at any gathering. With its combination of savory beef, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and fresh veggies, this salad is sure to become a favorite that everyone will request again and again.