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Cowboy Pasta Salad
![Cowboy Pasta Salad on a plate](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cowboy-Pasta-Salad-Recipe-card-150x150.jpg)
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Cowboy pasta salad recipe goes beyond your typical pasta salad with a hearty mix of tasty ingredients, all smothered in a creamy dressing. It’s a must-try dish that's perfect for your next potluck.
Hearty enough to serve as a main dish yet equally ideal as a crowd-pleasing side, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit!
![Cowboy Pasta Salad in a serving bowl](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cowboy-Pasta-Salad-Hero1-1.jpg)
More Recipes ⭐ Amish Macaroni Salad | Dill Pickle Pasta Salad | Caesar Pasta Salad
Savor the robust flavors of cowboy macaroni salad, a delightful mix of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and savory spices. This dish is a staple at backyard barbecues and potlucks, bringing a unique twist to traditional pasta salads.
With its creamy, tangy dressing, each bite is a delectable treat. Perfect for fans of classic macaroni salad or those seeking a new culinary delight, loaded cowboy pasta salad promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Cowboy Pasta Salad Ingredients
What you'll need to make this pasta salad with ground beef:
Macaroni Salad Ingredients
- 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 pound of smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can of whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2¼ cups of halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup of thinly sliced green onion
- 2 cups of finely shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 1½ tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
Substitutions and Additions
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this cowboy salad!
Noodles: Feel free to swap out the elbow macaroni for other types of pasta in this cowboy pasta. Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta are all excellent choices.
Oil: Consider using extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil to toss the noodles for a richer flavor.
Beans: Pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas are tasty alternatives to black beans, depending on your preference.
Cheese: Mix in cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy texture and bold flavor.
How to make Cowboy Pasta Salad
Pro Tip
You can prepare this pasta salad with meat the night before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully overnight.
FIRST STEP: Cook the elbow macaroni to al dente according to the package directions. Drain the hot water off and rinse with cold water to stop the noodles from cooking.
Pro Tip
Make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to your pasta salad, keeping it perfectly textured and flavorful.
SECOND STEP: Once drained, add the cooked pasta to an extra-large mixing bowl. Pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the macaroni and toss. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
![vegetable oil poured on top of the macaroni in a bowl wrapped with plastic wrap](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cowboy-PastaSalad-step-2.jpg)
THIRD STEP: Add the ground beef and red pepper flakes to a 3 to 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. Drain any excess grease.
FOURTH STEP: Add the mayo, BBQ sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha sauce, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk to combine thoroughly. Set it aside.
FIFTH STEP: Remove the macaroni from the refrigerator.
SIXTH STEP: Add the cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar to the pasta.
Pro Tip
If you're preparing this BBQ pasta salad ahead of time, consider leaving out the tomatoes until just before serving, as they can soften the noodles if left to sit overnight.
SEVENTH STEP: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients thoroughly. Serve immediately, or cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How to serve this meat pasta salad
This hearty ground beef pasta salad can easily serve as a complete meal or as a delightful side dish. Pair it with our refreshing cucumber salad or crisp Caesar salad for added freshness and greens, creating a satisfying lunch or dinner.
For those looking for even more heartiness, fried corn on the cob or crispy fried chicken make excellent accompaniments.
Also, don't miss our southern potato salad or taco pasta salad for more robust summer salad options that are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You'll Love This Cold Pasta Salad with Meat and Cheese
Flavorful: Bursting with a savory mix of ground beef, BBQ sauce, and fresh veggies, every bite is a delight.
Versatile: Perfect for a family dinner or as a standout dish at your next potluck.
Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta is best for Cowboy Pasta Salad?
Short pasta like penne or rotini works well as it holds the dressing and makes it easy to eat.
Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just stir well before serving.
What makes Cowboy Pasta Salad unique?
It’s the combination of savory beef, pasta, and a special blend of spices and BBQ sauce.
How long does Cowboy Pasta Salad keep in the fridge?
Properly stored, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Should I serve this pasta salad warm or cold?
This dish is designed to be served cold, making it perfect for refreshing, summery meals.
Can I freeze this salad?
We don’t recommend freezing pasta salad, as the texture can become undesirable once thawed. It's best to prepare this recipe fresh to enjoy its optimal flavors and textures.
Storing BBQ Pasta Salad Recipe
This cowboy pasta recipe typically doesn't fare well in the freezer but will stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
In the Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: Freezing pasta salad is not recommended, as it can lead to a soggy texture when thawed.
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Pasta Salad Recipes
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Macaroni Salad
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound smoked bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 15.25 ounces whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
- 15.25 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 ¼ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup green onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the hot water off and rinse with cold water to stop the noodles from cooking. Be sure to drain very well.
- Once drained, add the pasta to an extra-large mixing bowl. Pour the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the macaroni and toss. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
- Add the ground beef and red pepper flakes to a 3 to 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the mayo, barbecue sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha sauce, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine thoroughly. Set it aside.
- Remove the macaroni from the refrigerator.
- Add the cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients thoroughly. Serve immediately, or cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Notes
- This cold pasta salad can be made the night before you plan to serve it.
- Be sure to drain the pasta very well so that you don’t have extra moisture in your pasta salad.
- If you are making this salad the night before, leave out the tomatoes as they can soften the noodles.
Comments
Mike says
Even my picky kids liked this!
Lauren says
Made this for a potluck and it was a HUGE hit and so easy to make too!