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A metal spatula lifts a serving of cheesy cowboy pasta recipe casserole with ground meat, corn, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños from a skillet. The casserole is topped with melted cheese and extra jalapeño slices.

Cowboy Pasta Recipe

Make Cowboy Pasta for a quick, comforting meal loaded with flavor. This easy, cheesy dinner is perfect for weeknights and hungry families.

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword Cowboy Macaroni, cowboy pasta, what is cowboy pasta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Author momma lew

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Add garlic, corn, and tomatoes to the cooked ground beef and heat for 3 minutes more.

  4. Stir in milk, cream cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until cream cheese is melted.

  5. Fold in macaroni and half of the bacon. Mix well.

  6. Top with shredded cheese and reserved bacon. Broil until cheese is melted and top with chopped fresh jalapenos if desired.

Recipe Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.