Cowboy Pasta
Cowboy Pasta is the kind of hearty, flavor-packed meal you make when you need something easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
If you’re tired of complicated recipes or wondering what to make on a busy night that still feels comforting and homemade, this pasta recipe checks every box.
Made with simple, everyday ingredients like pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce, it delivers big flavor without any fuss.
Loaded with bold, comforting taste, it comes together quickly
Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a cozy family dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks, this recipe is rich, delicious, and always a hit.
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What is Cowboy Pasta?
It’s a hearty dinner recipe made with ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce.
Known for its rustic, no-fuss style, it uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want an easy, satisfying meal.
How to Make Cowboy Pasta
- Soften the cream cheese to help it melt smoothly and create a creamy, lump-free sauce.
- Cook the bacon first, then set it aside to cool and chop.
- Brown the ground beef with onion and pepper in a large skillet, drain the grease, and stir in garlic, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Add milk, cream cheese, and seasonings, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed into the sauce and broiled.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and half the bacon, then top with shredded cheese and the remaining bacon.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and finish with sliced jalapeños.
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with cheese and broil until hot and bubbly.
Absolutely. Shells, rotini, or penne all work well and hold the sauce nicely.
Yes, but the texture may change slightly because of the cream cheese. Freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight before reheating.
Don’t Forget To…
- Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
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Turn busy nights into stress-free mealtime with One Pot Wonders — simple, family-friendly recipes with less mess and more flavor.
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What to Serve with Cowboy Macaroni
- Garlic bread, breadsticks, Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding a comforting side.
- Simple green salad – A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted vegetables – Try broccoli, green beans, or zucchini for an easy veggie side.
- Corn recipes or cornbread – A natural pairing that complements the flavors in the dish.
These easy side dishes help round out the meal while keeping it family-friendly and perfect for weeknights.
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If you’re looking for more easy meal inspiration, be sure to check out these great ideas too — they’re perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and family-friendly.
- From hearty skillet meals to cozy casseroles, these beef recipes are packed with flavor and make weeknight cooking simple and delicious.
- When you’re craving something warm and filling, these comfort food recipes are full of cheesy, cozy favorites everyone will want seconds of.
- These ground beef recipes using Bisquick are quick, easy, and perfect for creating hearty meals with simple pantry ingredients.
Cowboy Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 small red pepper seeds removed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 can 14.5 oz, diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked and drained
- 8 slices of bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
- 2 jalapenos sliced, optional for serving
Instructions
- After cooking bacon, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess bacon grease, then allow it to cool before chopping into desired pieces.
- In a large skillet, add ground beef, onion, and green pepper and heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain grease.
- Add garlic, corn, and tomatoes to the cooked ground beef and heat for 3 minutes more.
- Stir in milk, cream cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until cream cheese is melted.
- Fold in macaroni and half of the bacon. Mix well.
- Top with shredded cheese and reserved bacon. Broil until cheese is melted and top with chopped fresh jalapenos if desired.