Description
A vibrant pasta salad featuring ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Pasta (Rotini or penne)
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Cup Bell Peppers (chopped)
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Cup Corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 Cup Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 Cup Red Onion (diced)
- 1 Cup Ranch or Zesty Italian Dressing
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Optional: Shredded cheese and jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it in a colander and allow it to cool slightly.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, browned ground beef, chopped bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced red onion, and dressing.
- Mix well: Use a spatula to gently toss all the ingredients, ensuring every bite is coated with dressing.
- Season and chill: Add salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: After chilling, serve your Cowboy Pasta Salad straight from the fridge or at room temperature, garnished with cheese and jalapeños if desired.
Notes
Make-ahead by preparing the salad a day in advance for deeper flavors. Store in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta salad, Cowboy Pasta Salad, summer recipe, easy salad, cookout side dish