Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, sweet corn, tangy dressing, and crisp veggies. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a filling lunch, this salad brings bold Southwestern flair to the table. Its rich, creamy texture and satisfying ingredients make it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
ground beef
bacon
cherry tomatoes
red onion
black beans
corn (canned or grilled)
shredded cheddar cheese
mayonnaise
BBQ sauce
Dijon mustard
hot sauce (optional)
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.

In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, then crumble when cool.

In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

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

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.

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

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add avocado or jalapeños for a creamy or spicy twist.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Colby for different cheese flavors.
Include green bell peppers for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store Cowboy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Stir before serving if it has been sitting to redistribute the dressing.
Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy dressing.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best when chilled for at least an hour before serving and can be made a day in advance.

Is it served cold or warm?
It’s traditionally served cold, but you can serve it at room temperature.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works well.

Is it spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat with more or less hot sauce.

Can I skip the bacon?
Yes, but it adds a smoky depth. Consider using turkey bacon or smoked paprika instead.

Is it gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it so.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales well for larger gatherings.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Add a bit more dressing or a splash of milk if it seems dry after refrigeration.

Conclusion

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a bold, satisfying dish that combines comfort food vibes with zesty flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunch for the week, it’s a versatile and delicious addition to any menu. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear fast!