Cowboy Pasta

Imagine a dish that captures the bold, robust flavors of the Wild West in every single bite. Cowboy Pasta transforms an ordinary pasta meal into an adventurous culinary experience that promises to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys and cowgirls.

This recipe combines smoky bacon, ground beef, and a creamy barbecue-infused dressing that brings together a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a campfire cookout. Moreover, it delivers a perfect balance of comfort and excitement that will make dinner feel like a true Western celebration.

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you're craving a hearty meal with attitude, this Cowboy Pasta will become your new go-to recipe for delicious comfort food.

Cowboy Pasta: A Rustic Culinary Adventure

Every bite of this pasta dish tells a story of culinary creativity. The recipe ingeniously blends classic Western flavors with a modern pasta approach.

Get ready to experience a meal that will transport you to the wide-open ranges of the American West.

Serving Suggestions:

Complement your Cowboy Pasta with:

• Cornbread
• Crispy baked potato wedges
• Fresh green salad
• Baked beans
• Cold beer or sweet tea

Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Pasta:

Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crispy for maximum flavor and crunch.

Beef Mastery: Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors.

Dressing Technique: Whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Chilling Secrets: Let the pasta chill for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld together.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Cowboy Pasta Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Chilling time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8
• Equipment: Large skillet, mixing bowls, pasta pot

This pasta creation brings together smoky, creamy, and hearty ingredients in one spectacular dish.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta Base:

• 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Creamy BBQ Dressing:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Chop the bacon, dice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes to ensure even cooking and distribution.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Add the ground beef and diced red onion to the same skillet. Cook until the beef browns thoroughly and the onion becomes soft, typically 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This creamy, tangy dressing will be the star of the show.
6. Combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef mixture, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon in the bowl with the dressing.
7. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every ingredient is well coated with the creamy BBQ dressing.

Ready to Relish!

Chill the pasta for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, top with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp garnish.

Storage Solutions:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Best served chilled or at room temperature
• Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing
• Not recommended for freezing due to creamy dressing

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a hearty meal with a Western twist, this Cowboy Pasta will satisfy your hunger and your sense of adventure.

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