Hearty Western Pasta Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 pound dried wagon wheel pasta
→ Meat
02 -
1 pound hickory smoked bacon, diced
03 -
3/4 pound lean ground beef
→ Seasonings
04 -
1 teaspoon cumin
05 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Dressing
07 -
1 cup mayonnaise
08 -
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
09 -
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
10 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
11 -
2 & 1/2 teaspoons hot chili sauce
→ Mix-ins
12 -
15 ounce can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
13 -
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
14 -
1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 -
5 scallions, diced
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the wagon wheel pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, sauté the diced bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
03 -
Wipe out the skillet, leaving just a little bacon grease. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into tiny crumbles as it cooks. Season with cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Drain off any fat and set aside to cool completely.
04 -
In an extra large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot chili sauce until smooth and well combined.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, seasoned beef, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced scallions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.
06 -
This pasta salad is best enjoyed right after assembly at room temperature, though leftovers still taste delicious the next day.
# Notes:
01 -
This hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad combines pasta, bacon, ground beef, and cheese with a tangy, slightly spicy dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish.
02 -
Perfect for summer gatherings, game day parties, potlucks, or as a satisfying family dinner.
03 -
Can be prepared ahead of time, though it's best served fresh at room temperature.