Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Packed with savory beef, smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty BBQ mayo dressing, this salad offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) box bowtie pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 ounces cubed cheddar cheese
• 1 large diced red bell pepper
• 1 bunch chopped green onion
• 1 diced jalapeno
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• 1¼ cups mayonnaise
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and brown the ground beef for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, drained corn, rinsed black beans, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onion, and diced jalapeno.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately. If not serving right away, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add more jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Swap cheddar cheese for a sharper variety like smoked gouda or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and bacon, and adding extra black beans or grilled vegetables.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this pasta salad in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and keep the dressing separate. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works well, other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells also hold the dressing and mix-ins nicely.

Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 359 reviews

Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish combining bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a smoky BBQ mayo dressing. This salad delivers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and creamy tang, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight meals.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat

• 1 (12-ounce) box bowtie pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Vegetables and Cheese

• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn (drained)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 8 ounces cubed cheddar cheese
• 1 large diced red bell pepper
• 1 bunch chopped green onion
• 1 diced jalapeno
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Dressing

• 1¼ cups mayonnaise
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the cooked pasta and browned ground beef. Then toss in the cooked and crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, drained corn, rinsed black beans, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and diced jalapeno. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin until smooth and fully blended.
5. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Notes

• For a spicier salad, add more diced jalapeno or include some hot sauce to the dressing.
• Make sure to rinse the black beans well to reduce sodium content and remove any canned taste.
• This salad can be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and bacon, or substituting with plant-based alternatives.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add dressing fresh before serving to maintain texture.
• You can substitute BBQ sauce with a smoky chipotle sauce for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad, Bowtie Pasta Salad, BBQ Pasta Salad, Ground Beef Salad, Bacon Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad, Summer Salad