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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad: A Hearty Twist for Summer Gatherings

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty dish that combines bowtie pasta, ground beef, bacon, black beans, and corn in a tangy dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup ketchup substitute with BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can offer a lighter alternative
  • 1/2 cup sour cream can be swapped for Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup salsa use your favorite store-bought or homemade variety
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar coconut sugar is a great alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce consider using soy sauce for a different profile
  • 1 tablespoon mustard Dijon mustard serves as a refined substitute
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar white wine vinegar can be used in its place
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika works but won’t be as bold
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice lemon juice can substitute nicely
For the Salad
  • 1 pound ground beef swap for turkey or chicken for a lighter option
  • 1 can green chiles jalapeños can intensify the spice
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie pasta) gluten-free pasta can work wonderfully too
  • 6 slices bacon opt for turkey bacon if looking for a lighter choice
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños fresh jalapeños can be substituted if necessary
  • 1 medium green pepper any bell pepper variety is welcome
  • 1 can black beans canned beans are convenient for busy cooks
  • 1 cup corn kernels frozen corn can also be a great alternative
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes regular tomatoes, diced, can work too
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese use a non-dairy option for vegan diets
  • 1/2 cup red onion shallots can provide a subtler flavor
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro parsley can be used in its place if preferred

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Dressing Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat.
Seasoning Beef
  1. In the skillet, stir in green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the beef with spices.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add farfalle. Cook until al dente, around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Combining Pasta and Dressing
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with half of the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Preparing Vegetables
  1. Dice green pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, chop red onion and cilantro. Ensure pieces are uniform for enhanced appearance and taste.
Crumbling Bacon
  1. In a separate skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.
Mixing All Ingredients
  1. To the bowl with dressed pasta, add seasoned beef, black beans, corn, green pepper, tomatoes, red onion, crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños, and cheddar cheese. Pour in remaining dressing and gently toss to combine.
Finishing Touch
  1. Before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Prepare this salad a day ahead for the best flavors as ingredients meld beautifully overnight.

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