Cowboy Pasta

If you associate the word “cowboy” with things that are big, hearty and reliable, then this pasta dish checks all those boxes. It’s also, by the way, absolutely delicious. You’ve come across a cowboy pasta recipe that would be sure to satisfy even the burliest—and hungriest—cowboy (or cowgirl) on the range.

It will also, of course, satisfy all the folks in your family, even those with the biggest appetites. This is a spicy and savory meal that will have even the slowpokes rushing to the table.

Cowboy Pasta Ingredients

• Pasta shells: Pasta shells work best for this recipe, thanks to their shape and size, but you can use a different pasta if that’s what you have.
• Bacon: It’s best to choose a bacon without any added flavoring, like pepper or smoke, as there is so much flavor to be found in this recipe.
• Ground beef: An entire pound of ground beef helps explain why this recipe is so hearty and filling.
• Red onion: Use a medium red onion that’s been well chopped. If all you have is a white or yellow onion, you can use either of those as well.
• Green or sweet red pepper: You can use red or green pepper, or you can go half and half for a dish with a bit more color.
• Garlic: If you’re using fresh garlic cloves, make sure they’re well minced. You can also use a couple of frozen cubes of garlic from the store.
• Corn: Frozen corn that’s been allowed to thaw is ideal here, simply because it’s so easy to work with. You can also use canned corn, well drained, or fresh corn that’s been steamed and cut off the cob.
• Diced tomatoes: With the diced tomatoes, make sure they’re drained before you use them. Some recipes call for the liquid found in the can, but this is not one of them.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk adds some taste and also helps to create a unified flavor profile.
• Cream cheese: The cream cheese needs to be cubed for use in this recipe, so keep it refrigerated until shortly before you need it.
• Chili powder: A teaspoon of chili powder adds a welcome bit of spice to this dish.
• Monterey Jack cheese: The cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is the grace note of this cowboy pasta.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it crisps, stirring occasionally. Remove it with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.

Step 3: Combine the main ingredients

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

In the same pan, cook the beef, onion and pepper over medium heat until the meat is crumbly and no longer pink, then drain the excess liquid. Back over medium heat, add the garlic, and cook, stirring often, until it grows fragrant, about two minutes. Add the corn, tomatoes, buttermilk, cream cheese, chili powder, salt, pepper and cooked pasta, and stir to combine.

Step 4: Stir in the cheese and bacon

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

Cowboy Pasta Variations

• Use ground turkey: Swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey will yield a meal that’s every bit as tasty, still packed with protein and a bit lower in fat.
• Skip the chili powder: If you’re cooking for people with more sensitive taste buds, leave out the chili powder to cut the spicy heat from this recipe.
• Use cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack cheese has a wonderful flavor, but you can swap in a mild or medium cheddar and you’ll never know the difference.

How to Store Cowboy Pasta

Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then place in it an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for three to four days. When you’re ready to eat it, here’s how to reheat pasta.

Cowboy Pasta Tips

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

How can you make cowboy pasta spicier?

To give your cowboy pasta more heat, increase the amount of chili powder. We recommend increasing it by just a little to start, then adding more to taste. You can also swap the Monterey Jack cheese for pepper jack cheese, or chop a poblano or jalapeno pepper to toss in the pasta mixture for extra heat. Not sure which to use? Here’s more on every type of pepper. Just remember to use gloves when cutting hot peppers, because the oils can burn your skin.

What do you serve with cowboy pasta?

A light and refreshing green salad is a nice complement to hearty cowboy pasta. You can also serve warm, crusty bread or a side of tater tots. Top individual servings of cowboy pasta with a few tots to make it reminiscent of traditional Midwestern tater tot casserole—in our opinion, it’s one of the best Midwestern casseroles!

How do you keep pasta from getting gummy while it rests?

After draining the pasta, toss it with some olive oil, making sure every piece gets at least a very light coating of the oil. This will prevent it from sticking together and getting gummy while you work on the rest of the recipe.