Cowboy Pasta Recipe: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed All-American Favorite Recipe
Cowboy Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed all-American favorite combining savory ground beef, crispy beef bacon, tender pasta, sweet corn, and a creamy cheese sauce with a hint of spice from pickled jalapeños. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish balances robust Tex-Mex flavors in a creamy cheesy base, making it ideal for family-style meals or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Meat Base:
- 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
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 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
- Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the red onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the beef bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta later.
- Cook the Beef Bacon: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the beef bacon pieces until crispy. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep the bacon drippings in the pan for additional flavor.
- Build the Meat Base: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil or use the reserved bacon drippings. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef along with ground cumin and chili powder. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s thoroughly browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes and drained sweet corn, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently to blend flavors.
- Boil the Pasta: Add salt to the boiling water and cook the chosen short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the garlic powder and all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses plus pickled jalapeños if desired, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the pot with the drained pasta, combine the beef and vegetable mixture, crispy beef bacon, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and mixed together.
Notes
- Serve Cowboy Pasta family-style or in individual bowls for easy sharing.
- Top with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added freshness and flavor contrast.
- Add crunchy toppings like crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips to enhance texture.
- Pair this dish with a simple green salad, cornbread muffins, and a refreshing iced tea or a cold beer for a complete meal.
Keywords: Cowboy Pasta, hearty pasta recipe, American pasta dish, creamy cheese pasta, ground beef pasta, Tex-Mex pasta, comfort food, family dinner recipe
