Cowboy Pasta Salad
Packed with bold flavors in every bite, this cowboy pasta salad is made with tender noodles, bacon, seasoned ground beef, a creamy dressing, and Southwestern flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta , or any small pasta
- 1 pound bacon , chopped and uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn , drained
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved
- 1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
- 3 scallions , diced
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup bbq sauce
- 2 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon hot chili sauce
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking.
- Sauté bacon: Meanwhile, sauté 1 pound of bacon over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet until crispy. Move cooked bacon to a paper towel to drain off grease. Remove grease from skillet.
- Cook ground beef: In the same skillet, brown the 1 pound of ground beef, crumbling as you cook, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning, a pinch red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Make dressing: In a large salad bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 2 Tablespoons mustard, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1 Tablespoon hot chili sauce.
- Toss Salad: Add the cooked pasta, bacon, beef, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and scallions into the salad bowl; toss with dressing. Serve.
Notes
Although this is best enjoyed right away, you can store leftovers in a covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 809kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 55g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g, Monounsaturated Fat: 18g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 100mg, Sodium: 813mg, Potassium: 571mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 447IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
