Description
A smoky, creamy Cowboy Pasta Salad with crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a bold, tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
- ¼ cup jalapeños, sliced (optional for spice)
Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings & Garnishes:
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
- Chop and Prep Vegetables
- Dice the red onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and prepare the corn.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, lime juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Pasta Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, cooked beef, bacon, cheese, and vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a healthier version: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon.
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute black beans or grilled mushrooms for beef and bacon.
- To make it spicier: Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños.
- Make-ahead tip: Keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg