Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
- The Secret to a Hearty and Flavorful Salad
- How to Elevate Your Dinner Recipes with a Twist
- Easy Recipes That Bring Everyone to the Table
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Magic
- Final Thoughts from Betty at Betty Cooks
Key Takeaways
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is an easy recipe that blends bold, smoky, and creamy flavors into one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for dinner recipes, potlucks, or meal prepping. Loaded with beef, bacon, cheddar, and a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why This Easy Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
If you’re looking for easy recipes that check all the boxes—flavorful, hearty, and satisfying—this Cowboy Pasta Salad is a must-try. With two types of protein and crunchy vegetables, this dish turns a simple pasta salad into a complete meal. It’s comfort food that feels right at home whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meals for the week.
The Secret to a Hearty and Flavorful Salad
The main secret lies in the combination of creamy mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, and a hint of Dijon mustard. These ingredients coat every bite in flavor, while the crispy bacon and seasoned ground beef bring the kind of richness you don’t normally find in salads. This is more than just a pasta dish—it’s one of those dinner recipes you’ll make again and again.
How to Elevate Your Dinner Recipes with a Twist
Dinner recipes can get repetitive, but adding a cowboy twist to pasta salad is a game-changer. This easy recipe takes just over 30 minutes and delivers incredible depth of flavor. It’s also a great alternative to typical casseroles or heavy entrées, especially during the warmer months when you’re craving something hearty yet refreshing.
Easy Recipes That Bring Everyone to the Table
Easy recipes like this Cowboy Pasta Salad prove that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. It brings together everything people love—cheese, bacon, beef, and bold flavors—into one bowl. Add a loaf of crusty bread or serve it on its own. Either way, it disappears fast!
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Magic
Meal prepping? This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and actually tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re planning quick weekday lunches or prepping for a picnic, it’s one of those recipes for dinner that fits right into your schedule.
Final Thoughts from Betty at Betty Cooks
At Betty Cooks, we believe food should be bold, fun, and stress-free. This cowboy-inspired pasta salad hits all the right notes. Packed with flavor, simple to make, and endlessly versatile, it’s one of our favorite quick and easy recipes for dinner or lunch. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after one bite.
Cowboy Pasta Salad – Easy Dinner Recipes
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain any excess grease and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cooked bacon, ground beef, tomatoes, corn, cheddar, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
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