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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

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Cowboy Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed dish that combines crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese with zesty sauces for a satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to game day gatherings, this pasta salad is sure to please your guests and keep them coming back for more. With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, it’s not only easy to prepare but also makes for fantastic leftovers. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out meats to suit personal preferences. Enjoy this hearty dish as a main course or a side at your next event!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried wagon wheel pasta
  • 1 pound hickory smoked bacon, diced
  • 3/4 pound lean ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 15-ounce can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 & 1/2 teaspoons hot chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper
  • 5 scallions, diced

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and cool.
  2. 2. In a nonstick skillet, cook bacon until crispy; drain on paper towels.
  3. 3. In the same skillet, brown ground beef until cooked through; season with cumin and red pepper flakes.
  4. 4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sauces until smooth.
  5. 5. Combine pasta, bacon, beef, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and scallions in the bowl; toss well with dressing.
  6. 6. Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.

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