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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

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Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate comfort food that brings together a hearty mix of flavors and textures. This vibrant dish combines protein-rich ground beef, smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy cheddar cheese all tossed with a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this salad is not only filling but also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm or chilled, as a main course or a delicious side. With its quick preparation time and delightful taste, it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound smoked bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 15.25 ounces whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
  • 15.25 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2¼ cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup thinly sliced green onion

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with vegetable oil and chill.
  3. Cook ground beef with red pepper flakes until browned; drain excess grease.
  4. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  5. Combine chilled macaroni with beef, bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, green onions, and cheese in the large bowl.
  6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.

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