Cowboy Pasta Salad
Introduction
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a fun and filling dish that brings together bold flavors in one bowl. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. With a mix of pasta, beef, bacon, and veggies, this salad will become a family favorite!
Why Make This Recipe
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is not just tasty; it’s also easy to make! If you’re looking for a quick meal that satisfies everyone at the table, this is it. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time and serve it cold or warm. It’s great for busy weekdays or weekend gatherings!
How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/8 tsp pepper flakes
- 1 lb smoked bacon
- 1 can sweet corn
- 1 oz black beans
- 2 1/4 cups tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green onion
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add pepper flakes, smoked bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and green onion. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the beef mixture.
- Add cheddar cheese and mix until evenly distributed. Serve warm or chilled.
How to Serve Cowboy Pasta Salad
Serve this Cowboy Pasta Salad in a big bowl at your next family gathering or picnic. It goes perfectly with garlic bread or grilled meats. Everyone will love digging into this hearty dish!
How to Store Cowboy Pasta Salad
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Tips to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad
- To make it even easier, use pre-cooked bacon or leftover meats.
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the mix. Peppers or olives can be a nice touch!
- Want a little extra kick? Add more pepper flakes or some hot sauce!
Variation
You can easily turn this into a meatless dish by skipping the beef and bacon. Add more beans and veggies for a delicious vegetarian version!
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great to make this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.What type of pasta can I use?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta you like, such as rotini or fusilli.Can I freeze this salad?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the meat mixture separately. Just remember that pasta may become a bit mushy when thawed.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 16 oz elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 lb ground beef Cook until browned.
- 1 lb smoked bacon Chopped.
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/8 tsp pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- 1 can sweet corn Drained.
- 1 oz black beans Drained and rinsed.
- 2 1/4 cups tomatoes Chopped.
- 1/2 cup green onion Chopped.
Cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese Shredded.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add pepper flakes, smoked bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and green onion. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the beef mixture.
- Add cheddar cheese and mix until evenly distributed. Serve warm or chilled.
