Cowboy Pasta Salad with Ground Beef, Beans & BBQ Ranch
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines the comfort of tender pasta with smoky, seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables.
The creamy BBQ ranch dressing ties everything together with a tangy and slightly sweet finish. It’s perfect for family gatherings, picnic lunches, or easy weeknight dinners.
This salad balances protein, veggies, and carbs with the richness of cheese and a dressing that’s both creamy and zesty.
What makes it special is the layering of textures: soft pasta, crunchy onions, juicy tomatoes, and the satisfying bite of beans and corn. It’s also incredibly adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Main / Side | Southwest / American | 6–8 |
Ingredients List with Alternatives
| Ingredient | 4 Servings | 8 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta (elbow or rotini) | 3 cups cooked | 6 cups cooked | Whole wheat, gluten-free pasta |
| Ground beef | ½ lb | 1 lb | Shredded halal chicken, plant-based meat |
| Corn | 1 cup | 2 cups | Grilled or canned corn |
| Black beans | 1 can | 2 cans | Kidney or pinto beans |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup | 2 cups | Dairy-free cheese |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | 2 cups | Diced Roma tomatoes |
| Red onion | ½ cup | 1 cup | Green onion or shallot |
| BBQ sauce | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Chipotle sauce or sweet chili |
| Ranch dressing | ½ cup | 1 cup | Greek yogurt-based ranch |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | To taste | — |
Tools Needed (with Alternatives)
- Large saucepan for boiling pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan for browning ground beef
- Large mixing bowl for salad assembly
- Small bowl for mixing dressing
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander or strainer for draining pasta and beans
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad
Lets make it!
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente—usually 8-10 minutes.
Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Let it drain well.
Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, and if you like, add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor.
Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Vegetables
Rinse canned black beans and corn under cold water and drain. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice red onion.
These fresh veggies bring a juicy crunch and sweetness to the salad.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and ranch dressing until smooth. Adjust the BBQ sauce quantity if you prefer a sweeter or smokier dressing.
Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the BBQ ranch dressing over the salad. Gently toss with a wooden spoon or spatula to coat everything evenly, taking care not to mash the ingredients.
Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature, perfect for gatherings or as a make-ahead meal.
Variations to Try
Lets try some variation of cowboy pasta salad.
Cowboy Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
Swap ground beef for shredded grilled halal chicken breast. Marinate chicken with a bit of BBQ sauce and grill for a smoky flavor.
Add the shredded chicken in step five instead of beef.
Vegetarian Cowboy Salad
Skip the meat altogether. Boost the protein by adding extra beans like kidney or pinto, and toss in diced avocado for creaminess.
You can also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for more depth.
Spicy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Add chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle red chili flakes on top before serving.
Crunchy Cowboy Salad
Add diced cucumbers, radishes, or toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to bring fresh crunch and extra texture.
Top with crushed tortilla chips just before serving for a fun twist.
BBQ Ranch Variations
Try swapping classic ranch with a Greek yogurt-based ranch for a lighter option.
You can also experiment with smoky chipotle ranch or add a teaspoon of cumin to the dressing for added warmth.
Storage Tips
- Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Stir the salad before serving if dressing settles or dries out.
- Avoid freezing, as the texture of pasta and dairy-based dressings can degrade.
- For best freshness, add any crunchy toppings like tortilla chips or pepitas just before serving.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Overcooked pasta leading to mushy texture | Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water immediately |
| Salad dries out after refrigeration | Add a little more ranch or BBQ sauce before serving and toss |
| Ground beef greasy or heavy | Drain fat thoroughly after cooking |
| Salad tastes bland | Increase seasoning, add extra BBQ sauce or fresh lime juice |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini, penne, or even shell pasta work well here.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It holds well in the fridge for 3 days and is great for quick lunches.
How do I make this salad vegan?
Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils, use dairy-free cheese, and swap ranch dressing for a vegan alternative.
Can I add more veggies?
Yes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes complement the flavors nicely.
Extra Tips
- Always taste the dressing before mixing. Adjust BBQ or ranch ratio to your preference.
- For a fresher bite, add chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side to brighten flavors.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best sweetness.
- If you want a lighter version, swap half the ranch for plain Greek yogurt.
Cowboy Pasta Salad with BBQ Ranch
Hearty cowboy pasta salad with smoky ground beef, corn, black beans, cheddar, and creamy BBQ ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- ½ lb ground beef (shredded halal chicken or plant-based meat)
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 can black beans (kidney or pinto beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (dairy-free cheese)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (Roma tomatoes)
- ½ cup red onion (green onion or shallot)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (chipotle or chili sauce)
- ½ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt ranch or vegan ranch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, rinse with cold water
- Brown ground beef, drain fat, and cool
- Prepare veggies and beans by rinsing and chopping
- Mix BBQ sauce and ranch dressing until smooth
- Combine all ingredients and toss with dressing
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving
Notes
- Add avocado or fresh herbs for extra freshness
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
- Add crunchy toppings before serving for texture
- Adjust dressing and spice level to your liking
Lets Enjoy It!
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing, versatile dish that brings together smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors in one bowl.
Whether you stick to the classic ground beef version or try the variations with chicken or vegetarian options, this salad is sure to be a hit at your table.
Give it a try, share your favorite tweaks, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
