Name: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients: 1 lb. pasta of your choice; 1 lb. lean ground beef; 1 4oz. can diced green chile; 1 tsp. chili powder; 1 tsp. ground cumin; 3/4 tsp. onion powder; 3/4 tsp. garlic powder; 1 green bell pepper; 1 15oz. can black beans; 1 cup sweet corn kernels; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 small red onion; 1 small bunch fresh cilantro; 6 slices bacon; 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup salsa of your choice; 1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard; 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar; salt & pepper; hot sauce

Cowboy Pasta Salad

This hearty pasta salad is packed with yummy flavors (ground beef, black beans & corn to name a few) and it's coated in a dressing that has a little spicy kick. It's guaranteed to be a hit at a potluck, backyard BBQ or picnic.

Author: Marcy Courses: Dishes with Green Chile, Dishes with red chile, Main Dishes, Salads, Side Dishes

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Instructions

Start by making the dressing

Combine all ingredients except for hot sauce and whisk until smooth. If dressing seems too thick, you can add a little more apple cider vinegar. Taste to determine how much hot sauce you want to add. Typically, you only need a few shakes of hot sauce. Whisk again and place in refrigerator to chill while making the salad.

To make salad

Cook pasta al dente according to instructions on package. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Place in large bowl.

Heat a large skillet on stovetop over medium high heat and brown ground beef. Once fully cooked, remove any fat that was rendered, then add green chile as well as all the seasonings (chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder). Mix until fully combined then take off burner and let cool.

Assemble salad by adding meat to the pasta, followed by the bell pepper, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and fresh cilantro. Pour dressing over all the ingredients and mix to ensure everything gets coated. Finally, top with chopped bacon and enjoy either chilled or at room temperature.

Cowboy Pasta Salad