Description
A hearty and flavorful pasta salad featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy turkey or beef bacon, sweet corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty creamy dressing—perfect for potlucks, summer cookouts, or an easy dinner.
Ingredients
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12 oz wagon wheel pasta
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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Salt and pepper to taste
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6 slices turkey or beef bacon
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup whole kernel corn, drained
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3 scallions, diced
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
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2 tbsp barbecue sauce
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1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp hot chili sauce
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and toss with olive oil.
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In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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In the same skillet, cook ground beef with cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Drain and cool.
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Whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire, and chili sauce.
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In a large bowl, combine dressing, pasta, beef, bacon, corn, tomatoes, scallions, and cheese. Mix until fully coated.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour for best flavor.
Notes
- You can use rotini or penne pasta if rotelle isn’t available.
- Lighten up the dressing with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo.
- Add candied jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding black beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American