Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad combines the rich, savory elements of ground beef, crispy bacon, and taco seasoning with the freshness of vegetables, beans, and a creamy barbecue dressing. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a satisfying meal on its own. The combination of textures and bold flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 16 oz box bow tie pasta
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 15 oz can corn, drained
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Prepare the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, seasoned ground beef, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well-combined.
- Combine Everything:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes