Indulge in the zesty flavors of cowboy pasta. Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, bacon, and colorful veggies, this satisfying dish is the perfect easy dinner for the whole family.
Get ready to wrangle up some serious flavor with our mouthwatering Cowboy Pasta recipe!
Packed with hearty ground beef, savory crispy bacon, and a medley of colorful veggies, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
This one-pot wonder is guaranteed to be a hit.
What is Cowboy Pasta?
Cowboy pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by southwestern flavors with just the perfect amount of kick. It typically consists of cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) tossed with a variety of colorful ingredients, including bell peppers, sweet corn and tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Cowboy pasta is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, main course, or even for your next potluck. It’s known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying texture, making it a favorite among those who enjoy southwestern cuisine.
How to Make Cowboy Pasta
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)
- 1-1/4 cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 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
Directions:
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.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
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What to serve with Cowboy pasta?
Cowboy pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but it can be even more satisfying when paired with complimentary side dishes. Here are some tasty options for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- Serve warm cornbread on the side for a comforting and slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the pasta.
- Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor that pairs well with the hearty cowboy pasta.
- Crispy fried okra is a delicious Southern side dish that complements the flavors of the pasta while adding a satisfying crunch.
- Thick slices of buttery Texas toast make a great side dish for soaking up any leftover sauce from the cowboy pasta.
- Creamy and slightly sweet baked beans are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of cowboy pasta.
- Caesar salad is an ideal side dish for cowboy pasta due to its contrasting flavors and textures, providing a refreshing balance to the rich and hearty pasta dish.
How do you make cowboy pasta spicier?
To make cowboy pasta spicier, adjust the amount and type of spicy ingredients used. Increase the quantity of jalapenos or opt for hotter peppers like serrano or habanero. Incorporate additional spices such as red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, and consider using pepper jack cheese for a spicier cheese flavor.
How do you heat up cowboy pasta?
To heat up cowboy pasta, use either the stovetop or microwave method. On the stovetop, transfer the pasta to a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth, and heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, in the microwave, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring halfway through, until heated to desired temperature.
Cowboy Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the zesty flavors of cowboy pasta. Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, bacon, and colorful veggies, this satisfying dish is the perfect easy dinner for the whole family.
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)
- 1-1/4 cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 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.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.