Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines smoky bacon, hearty ground beef, zesty hot sauce, and creamy dressing over tender wagon wheel pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings, game days, or a quick weeknight dinner. The balance of flavors and textures makes it versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste! Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a casual family meal, Cowboy Pasta Salad will surely impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound wagon wheel pasta
- 1 pound diced hickory smoked bacon
- 3/4 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 15-ounce can sweet corn (drained)
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Spices: cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large skillet, sauté the diced bacon until crispy, then set aside on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until no longer pink; season with spices and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot chili sauce.
- Combine cooked pasta with bacon, beef, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and scallions in the dressing; toss well.
- Serve immediately or chill for an hour before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg