I make this cowboy pasta salad with ground beef when I want something hearty, loaded, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any BBQ or potluck.
I love recipes that feel like a full meal but still work as a side. If it has bacon, beef, cheese, and a creamy dressing, I already know it is going to be a hit.
You are going to love this because it is packed with flavor, easy to throw together, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It is creamy, smoky, and loaded with texture in every bite.
Things to Know Before Making Cowboy Pasta Salad With Ground Beef
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing so the dressing stays creamy
- Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture
- Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm
- Chill before serving so the flavors fully come together
This is one of those recipes that feels like comfort food but still works for summer parties and casual get togethers.
If you're into easy, party recipes, you'll love these too: Simple Bacon Pasta Salad With Ranch, Pizza Sliders With Hawaiian Rolls, Mexican Street Corn In A Cup, and Easy Watermelon Salad.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Rotini pasta: Holds onto the creamy dressing and all the mix ins
- Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky bite that makes the salad extra satisfying
- Ground beef: Makes this pasta salad hearty and filling
- Olive oil: Helps keep the pasta from sticking
- Chili powder: Adds a warm, smoky flavor
- Cumin: Brings depth and a subtle earthy note
- Garlic powder: Boosts overall flavor
- Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances everything
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture
- Black beans: Adds protein and makes it more filling
- Grape tomatoes: Adds freshness and a pop of color
- Onion: Adds a little crunch and sharpness
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and cheesy flavor
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby finish
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing
- Barbecue sauce: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor
- Spicy brown mustard: Adds tang and depth
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory richness
- Hot sauce: Brings a little heat and balances the dressing
You will also need a large pot, skillet, and mixing bowls.
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.
How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad With Ground Beef
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Remove excess grease, then cook the ground beef until browned.
Step 3: Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook briefly, then drain and let it cool.
Step 4: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, bacon, ground beef, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and cheese.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 6: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey
- Add jalapeños for extra heat
- Use Colby Jack instead of cheddar
- Add avocado right before serving for a fresh twist
What to Serve with Cowboy Pasta Salad With Ground Beef
This pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs. It is also great with lemonade or iced tea for a fun summer meal.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
FAQs
Can cowboy pasta salad be made ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling since the flavors have time to blend.
Do you serve cowboy pasta salad cold?
Yes. It is best served chilled or slightly cold for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use bottled dressing instead?
You can, but the homemade BBQ ranch style dressing adds more flavor.
How do you keep pasta salad from drying out?
Make sure the pasta is fully coated and stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
More Easy Party Recipes
- Chicken Salad Pinwheels
- Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
- Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Asian Sticky Chicken Wings
- Caprese Skewers
Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad (Loaded Recipe)
This cowboy pasta salad with ground beef and bacon is loaded, creamy, and full of bold BBQ flavor. Made with rotini, beans, corn, and a smoky dressing, it is an easy, crowd friendly dish perfect for potlucks, parties, and summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- ½ pound bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 15.25 ounce can of whole kernel corn, drained
- 15.25 ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup rape tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup onion (white or red), diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
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Remove most of the bacon grease, then add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain and let the beef cool slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, ground beef, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and hot sauce until smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate until chilled, then serve cold or slightly chilled.
Recipe Notes
- Let ingredients cool before mixing
- Chill for best flavor
- Use crispy bacon for texture
- Stir before serving if needed
- Perfect for potlucks and BBQs
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