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Cowboy Pasta Saladrn

Cowboy Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Mia Park
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed pasta salad made with rotini, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables tossed in a creamy barbecue dressing. This easy pasta salad recipe is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, meal prep, and family dinners when you want a bold and satisfying side or main dish.


Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

1 pound ground beef

8 slices bacon

1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn, drained

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

2 green onions, sliced

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until just tender. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and let it drain well.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season lightly with a little salt and pepper, then drain any excess grease and let it cool.

3. Cook the bacon until crisp, then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Crumble once cooled.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and green onions.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir again before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use pasta that has cooled completely so the dressing stays creamy and does not turn oily.

For the best flavor, chill the salad before serving so the smoky, creamy, and tangy elements have time to blend together.

If the salad thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or mayonnaise before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg