Cowboy Pasta Recipe is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings a taste of the Wild West to your dinner table. Loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and a creamy dressing, this dish is as bold as it gets. Tossed with pasta, it’s a filling, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
Serve it alongside some warm Cornbread to soak up all the delicious sauce, or add a bowl of Guacamole for a refreshing, zesty twist that complements the smoky flavors.
What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility—it’s a meal in itself but can easily be adapted to suit your taste. Add some jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap in turkey for a lighter version. Cowboy Pasta is indulgent, satisfying, and bound to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Packed with bold flavors: Smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and tangy barbecue are a perfect combination.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or dial up the spice to make it your own.
- Easy to prepare: Whip it up in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Comfort food at its finest: A hearty dish that’s perfect for satisfying big appetites.
Cowboy Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta Pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board and Knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 5 bacon strips chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 1 medium green or sweet red pepper chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups frozen corn thawed
- 1 can 14-1/2 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
- 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Cook Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
Cook Beef & Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in corn, diced tomatoes, buttermilk, cream cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add Pasta & Bacon:
- Fold in cooked pasta, Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy bacon. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Add Pasta & Bacon:
- If desired, sprinkle with extra bacon pieces. Serve hot and enjoy!
- This creamy pasta dish is a family-favorite comfort food with bold flavors and a satisfying creamy texture.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 333kcal |
Carbohydrates | 29g |
Sodium | 456mg |
Fat | 16g |
Protein | 18g |
Sugar | 5g |