If you’re craving a dish that brings together hearty, smoky, and spicy flavors all in one vibrant bowl, you have to try this Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe. It’s a luscious medley of crispy bacon, perfectly browned ground beef, and tender rotini pasta, all tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly fiery barbecue mayo that will have your taste buds dancing. The mix of fresh cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs adds brightness and color, making it a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance in this dish is all about using simple yet vibrant ingredients that build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component, from the crunchy bacon to the zesty hot sauce, plays an essential role in making this dish unforgettable.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The perfect pasta shape to grab onto every bit of the smoky, spicy sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds savory richness and a meaty heartiness that anchors the dish.
- 8 oz bacon, chopped: Crispy bacon bits give a smoky crunch that’s pure magic.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious base for the spicy barbecue dressing.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Brings a sweet, tangy barbecue flavor that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste): Adds a fiery kick that wakes up every bite.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Gives a warm, peppery depth for that classic cowboy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes with gentle garlic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion undertone without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the pasta, lending a creamy sharpness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Pops of juicy, fresh brightness to balance richness.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: For a mild onion crunch and pretty green color.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings fresh, herbaceous notes that lift the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for rounding out every flavor perfectly.
How to Make Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by making the pasta perfectly tender—boil the rotini in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. This foundation will hold the flavors beautifully without getting mushy. Once done, drain and set aside so it’s ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Next, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy and golden. The sizzling bacon not only lends a smoky crunch but also leaves behind flavorful drippings that heighten the dish. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep it crisp.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Using the same skillet, add your ground beef and cook over medium-high until fully browned. This step infuses the beef with the bacon’s savory essence. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a lean but flavorful filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Spicy Barbecue Mayo Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the star of the recipe—it wraps every bite in a unique smoky, spicy blanket that sets this pasta apart.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now, add the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything until it’s coated evenly and beautifully combined.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can serve your Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe immediately for a warm, comforting meal, or chill it in the fridge to let the flavors marry even more.
How to Serve Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
To bring extra freshness and crunch to your serving, sprinkle a few more chopped green onions and cilantro leaves right on top. If you crave some added color and zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few jalapeño slices will make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads like a simple mixed greens salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob or roasted vegetables for a true backyard cowboy feast vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cowboy pasta in individual mason jars or small cast iron skillets at your parties. It also makes an excellent filling for lettuce wraps if you want a lighter or handheld option. Either way, it’s sure to be a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often get even better as they meld together, making it a perfect next-day meal or trusty lunch option.
Freezing
Because of the creamy mayo-based dressing, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the dish. Instead, try to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days for the best experience.
Reheating
If you prefer your leftover cowboy pasta warm, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid the microwave to help retain the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the sauce, you can swap in penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand. Just choose a pasta shape that captures the sauce well.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is adjustable by varying the amount of hot sauce you add. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more as desired. The chili powder adds warmth but not overwhelming heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this by skipping the ground beef and bacon, and adding hearty roasted vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes. Just remember to ensure your barbecue sauce and mayo are vegetarian-friendly.
Is this dish good served cold?
Yes! Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe tastes fantastic as a chilled pasta salad, especially during warm weather or for potlucks. The flavors mellow and blend beautifully when chilled.
What wine pairs well with this cowboy pasta?
A medium-bodied red wine like a Zinfandel or a Syrah complements the smoky bacon and barbecue notes wonderfully. If you prefer white, a slightly oaked Chardonnay can balance the creamy and spicy elements nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying with layers of spice, creaminess, and freshness in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite on your table!
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Cowboy Pasta with Bacon, Ground Beef, and Spicy Barbecue Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining rotini pasta with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce. Enhanced with cheddar cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro, this dish is perfect for a filling meal that brings bold, southwestern flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bacon, chopped
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Brown Ground Beef: In the same skillet with some bacon fat, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked rotini pasta, browned ground beef, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro into the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss and Season: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing and evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the Cowboy Pasta immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop further before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative.
- This dish can be served cold as a pasta salad or warm right after mixing.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving can enhance the freshness and flavor.
