Saddle Up for Flavor: The Wild West Pasta That Packs a Punch Wilder Than a Rodeo

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

A hearty, flavorful one-pan meal loaded with pasta, beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 333 kcal

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:

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