Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of fresh veggies. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a satisfying weeknight meal. The creamy BBQ dressing ties all the ingredients together for a truly delicious salad.
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
- Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and brown the ground beef for 7–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- 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.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add extra jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Substitute bowtie pasta with rotini or penne for a different texture.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to lighten the recipe.
- Try adding diced avocado just before serving for creaminess and extra nutrients.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, toss with the dressing again and serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked plant-based crumbles, use vegan bacon alternatives, replace cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese, and swap mayonnaise with a vegan mayo. Ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly as well.
Is it better to serve this salad chilled or at room temperature?
This pasta salad is delicious both ways. Serving chilled keeps it refreshing, especially on warm days, while room temperature allows flavors to meld more fully. Serve based on your preference and event.
PrintCowboy Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
This Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for summer barbecues or casual gatherings. Combining al dente bowtie pasta with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a smoky BBQ mayo dressing, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and bold southwestern-inspired flavors. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s both colorful and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef for about 7 to 10 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain any excess fat if needed.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked 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. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin until smooth and well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the smoky, creamy dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top as a fresh garnish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you plan to serve later, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, add more diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a leaner version, but the bacon adds essential smoky flavor.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance but add the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Make sure to rinse the black beans well to reduce the sodium content.
- Feel free to substitute bowtie pasta with rotini or penne if preferred.
Keywords: Cowboy Bacon Pasta Salad, bowtie pasta salad, BBQ pasta salad, summer salad, ground beef pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, southwestern pasta salad
