Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that blends smoky, tangy, and creamy elements in one satisfying bowl.

It typically features tender pasta, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad brings bold Tex-Mex flair and plenty of texture to the table.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Pasta: Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well as they hold onto the dressing.
• Ground beef: Adds a hearty, protein-rich component; turkey or chicken can be used as lean alternatives.
• Bacon: Provides salty, smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
• Veggies and beans: Tomatoes, black beans, corn, and onions give color and nutrition.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts slightly into the dressing, adding tanginess.
• Dressing: A combination of ranch or southwestern dressing, with optional barbecue sauce or salsa for extra kick.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion (or green onions)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup ranch dressing (or southwestern dressing)
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce or salsa (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta; set aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper (and chili powder if desired) until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat and let the beef cool slightly.
3. Prep other ingredients: Cook and crumble the bacon if not already prepared. Dice tomatoes and onions. Rinse the black beans if using canned.
4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and optional barbecue sauce or salsa. Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or more spice if needed.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, browned beef, crumbled bacon, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, and shredded cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
6. Chill or serve: You can serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15–20 minutes

Total Time

30–35 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, serves 6)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~20g
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sugar: ~4g
  (Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)

Expert Tips

• Use lean meat: Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess grease.
• Custom spice level: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Make it lighter: Swap half the ranch dressing for Greek yogurt or a light ranch alternative.
• Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips just before serving for extra texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, prepare all components in advance and store them separately. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much moisture.
Can I serve it warm? You can, but Cowboy Pasta Salad is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature. If serving warm, you may want to skip the rinse step after cooking the pasta.
What substitutions can I make for bacon? Try turkey bacon or omit it for a lighter, pork-free version.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Generally served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat in a skillet or microwave. Note that the dressing may separate when heated.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Cheese choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Colby for a different taste.
• Dressing blend: Combine equal parts ranch and chipotle mayo for a smokier dressing.

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that blends smoky, tangy, and creamy elements in one satisfying bowl. It typically features tender pasta, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.

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Equipment

• - Large pot for boiling pasta
• - Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• - Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• - 8 oz pasta rotini, penne, or fusilli
• - 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• - 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• - 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
• - 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
• - 1 cup diced tomatoes
• - 1/2 cup diced red onion or green onions
• - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• - 1 cup ranch dressing or southwestern dressing
• - 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce or salsa optional
• - 1 teaspoon chili powder optional
• - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Cook the pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta; set aside.
• **Brown the beef**: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper (and chili powder if desired) until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat and let the beef cool slightly.
• **Prep other ingredients**: Cook and crumble the bacon if not already prepared. Dice tomatoes and onions. Rinse the black beans if using canned.
• **Mix the dressing**: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and optional barbecue sauce or salsa. Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or more spice if needed.
• **Assemble the salad**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, browned beef, crumbled bacon, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, and shredded cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
• **Chill or serve**: You can serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow