Cowboy Pasta Salad
A vibrant salad combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and fresh veggies, perfect for busy days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Rotini or Short Pasta Shapes Choose any short pasta shape.
- 1 lb Ground Beef Use quality ground beef for optimal flavor.
- 1 medium Onion Chopped, adds depth to the dish.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil For cooking the beef and dressing.
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 pkg Taco Seasoning Enhances southwestern flavor.
- 1 cup Corn Canned or fresh, sweet and crisp.
- 1 can Black Beans Rinsed and drained.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded, for richness.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for freshness.
- 1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped for color and sweetness.
- 1 jalapeño Jalapeños Chopped, adjust quantity for spice.
- 2 stalks Green Onions Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the chopped onion.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
Preparing the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, fresh lime juice, and taco seasoning until well-combined.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and green onions.
- Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until fully combined.
Chilling
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cowboy Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill salad to enhance flavor. Replace ingredients as desired for healthier options.