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Cowboy Pasta Salad

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Cowboy Pasta Salad is a bold and hearty dish packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, pasta, corn, beans, cheese, and a tangy BBQ-ranch dressing. It’s a perfect all-in-one meal or side for summer cookouts and potlucks.

Ingredients

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  • 8 oz rotini or elbow pasta
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef, bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cheese, and green onions.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well combined.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Add diced avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/cowboy-pasta-salad/