Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.1 pound rotini pasta, elbow macaroni, or bow-tie pasta
- Prepare the Ground Beef: While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. If you prefer, season the beef as it cooks with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease and let the beef cool slightly.1 pound cooked ground beef
- Combine Ingredients: To the large bowl with the cooled pasta, add the cooked and cooled ground beef, rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and finely chopped bell pepper. Add the chopped fresh cilantro.1 pound rotini pasta, elbow macaroni, or bow-tie pasta, 1 pound cooked ground beef, 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, 1 (15-ounce) can corn, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 cup bell pepper, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and beef mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious Cowboy Pasta Salad. Serve cold.
Notes
Leftover Cowboy Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It is best served cold and generally not recommended to reheat.
