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Old Fashioned Cowboy Pasta Salad

Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad (Old Fashioned Recipe)

This old fashioned cowboy pasta salad is loaded with ground beef, bacon, beans, and a creamy BBQ dressing. It’s a hearty, easy, homemade pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish

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
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 15.25 oz
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 15.25 oz
  • 1 cup grape 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

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  3. Carefully discard most of the bacon grease, leaving a small amount in the pan. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then drain excess grease and let the beef cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked bacon, seasoned ground beef, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and shredded cheese.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend together. Stir before serving.

Notes

  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep the texture firm for pasta salad.
  • Let the beef and bacon cool slightly before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming oily.
  • This recipe is great for making ahead. Prepare it a few hours in advance or the day before for best flavor.
  • If the pasta salad thickens after chilling, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or barbecue sauce to refresh it.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • For a lighter option, use ground turkey and swap part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

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