Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad is loaded with rotini, ground beef, crispy bacon, black beans, corn, cheese, and a creamy barbecue dressing. It’s an easy make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, backyard BBQs, family gatherings, and Labor Day.

this recipe!

Love pasta salads? Try my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad & Greek Pasta Salad next!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

• Loaded with Hearty Ingredients – Ground beef, crispy bacon, black beans, corn, cheese, and fresh tomatoes make this pasta salad filling enough to serve as a side dish or light meal.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – This recipe makes a generous batch that’s ideal for potlucks, backyard BBQs, family gatherings, and Labor Day celebrations.
• Easy to Make Ahead – Prepare it in advance and let it chill until you’re ready to serve. The flavors blend together beautifully, making it even better after a little time in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 16 oz rotini pasta noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 15.25 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can corn, drained 
• 1 pt grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 cup mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 2-3 green onions, diced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise 
• 3 tbsp barbecue sauce
• 1 ½ tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ tsp Sriracha sauce

Step by Step Instructions

STEP ONE – Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Dice the green onions and set them aside.

STEP TWO – Cook the rotini according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool.

STEP THREE – Add the chopped bacon to a medium skillet and cook over medium-low heat until crispy. Drain the grease and set the bacon aside.

STEP FOUR – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

STEP FIVE – In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sriracha until smooth.

STEP SIX – Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and toss with the dressing until evenly coated.

STEP SEVEN – Add the cooked ground beef, bacon, black beans, corn, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and green onions. Toss gently until everything is well combined.

STEP EIGHT – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

STEP NINE – Garnish with additional diced green onions, if desired, and serve.