Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad
A hearty and delicious pasta salad loaded with bacon, ground beef, and fresh veggies, perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 1 box (12-ounce) bowtie pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Vegetables
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
- 1 can (14.5-ounce) corn (drained)
- 1 can (14.5-ounce) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 large diced red bell pepper
- 1 bunch chopped green onion
- 1 medium diced jalapeno Adjust quantity for desired spice level
- 1 cup chopped cilantro For garnish
Dressings and Seasonings
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium-high heat, then add the lean ground beef. Cook and brown the beef for about 7-10 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Mixing Salad
- In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, grape tomatoes, corn, black beans, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onion, and diced jalapeno.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss everything together until well combined.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately! If you’re not serving right away, wait to add the dressing until just before serving.
Notes
This dish can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best quality. Adjust the spices and add other vegetables as preferred.