Name: Cowboy Pasta Recipe: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed All-American Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb Ground Beef; 1/2 Red Onion, diced; 3 Garlic Cloves, minced; 1 tsp Ground Cumin; 1 tsp Chili Powder; 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (or olive oil); 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 can Sweet Corn, drained (15 oz); 1 1/2 lb Short Pasta (shells, rotini, or elbows work great); 1/2 lb Beef Bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Chicken Broth; 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream; 1–2 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños, chopped (optional, for heat); 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack for extra kick)

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Introduction

Cowboy Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines savory beef, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this all-American favorite brings bold spices and comforting textures to your table.

The image shows a white marbled surface with three white bowls filled with a creamy pasta dish made of small shell pasta, chunks of light brown meat, yellow corn kernels, and red tomato pieces, all mixed together with a creamy sauce giving a slightly shiny texture. One bowl in the center is a terra-cotta-colored bowl containing the pasta dish, while the two white bowls flanking it also have the same pasta mix. To the bottom left, there is a small white plate with crispy brown bacon pieces. At the top right, an amber-colored textured glass holds a drink. A shiny silver fork rests beside the terra-cotta bowl on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb Ground Beef
1/2 Red Onion, diced
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 tbsp Avocado Oil (or olive oil)
1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can Sweet Corn, drained (15 oz)
1 1/2 lb Short Pasta (shells, rotini, or elbows work great)
1/2 lb Beef Bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Chicken Broth
1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
1–2 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños, chopped (optional, for heat)
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack for extra kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the red onion, mince the garlic, and chop the beef bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
Step 2: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the beef bacon pieces until crispy. Remove them to a paper towel-lined plate and keep the drippings in the pan.
Step 3: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil or use the reserved bacon drippings. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add ground beef, ground cumin, and chili powder to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes and drained sweet corn. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in garlic powder and flour to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring and cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Stir shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pickled jalapeños (if using) into the sauce until melted and smooth.
Step 8: Combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce in a large bowl or pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well mixed and heated through.

Tips & Variations

Use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier kick.
Add fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
Top with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.

How to Serve

The image shows a meal with three white bowls filled with pasta shells mixed with a creamy sauce, pieces of red tomato, yellow corn kernels, and bits of crispy bacon, creating layers of creamy white, red, yellow, and crunchy brown in each bowl. One brown bowl in the middle holds the same pasta mix, surrounded by a small white bowl of extra crispy bacon pieces and a brown textured glass cup filled with a light brown drink. The entire setup is placed on a white marbled surface. A silver fork rests beside the bowls, enhancing the meal’s inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pastas like shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold the sauce well. You can substitute with other shapes you prefer.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and beef bacon with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the cheese sauce.