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Cowboy Pasta Salad with Ground Beef

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.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8

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
  • 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

  1. 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.

  2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.

  3. Remove most of the bacon grease, then add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain and let the beef cool slightly.

  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, ground beef, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.

  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and hot sauce until smooth.

  7. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

  8. 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