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Cowboy Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A hearty and colorful pasta salad featuring ground beef, bacon, cheddar, fresh vegetables, and a creamy BBQ dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.


Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini, cooked al dente and cooled

1 lb ground beef

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Optional: chopped pickles, jalapeños, or avocado chunks

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

2 tbsp BBQ sauce

1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard

1 tbsp pickle juice or apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, season with salt and pepper, drain excess grease, and let cool.
  3. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble or chop it.
  4. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, ground beef, bacon, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until well coated.
  7. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
  8. Garnish with extra green onions, cheese, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Can swap ground beef for grilled chicken or shredded BBQ pork.

Ranch dressing or chipotle mayo can be used for a flavor twist.

Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for spiciness.

Avocado chunks add creaminess.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days; do not freeze.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg