Name: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 preferred); 1 small yellow onion, minced; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 16 ounces dry pasta (rotini or similar); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing); Juice of 2 limes; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or one 1-ounce packet); 12 ounces frozen corn, thawed or one 15-ounce can, drained; 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces), grated or cubed; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, diced; 2 green onions, sliced; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Description

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and pasta tossed in a zesty lime-taco dressing—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
1 small yellow onion, minced
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces dry pasta (rotini or similar)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
Juice of 2 limes
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or one 1-ounce packet)
12 ounces frozen corn, thawed or one 15-ounce can, drained
15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces), grated or cubed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the ground beef and minced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the grease, season with salt and pepper, and set aside to cool.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and let cool.
In a large serving bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning to make the dressing.
Add the cooled pasta, cooked beef, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, jalapeño, and green onions to the bowl.
Toss everything together until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or grilled chicken for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra beans or vegetables.
Enhance flavor with avocado, tortilla chips, or sour cream.
Add hot sauce or extra jalapeño for more spice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 50mg