Cowboy Salad

Ingredients

• Salad:
• 1 pound pasta shells or macaroni, cooked according to package instructions and tossed with 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus extra for garnish, optional
• 3/4 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, halved
• 1/3 cup green onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, and set aside until ready to use.
2. Cook beef in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Season with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Once beef is cooked, drain fat, then transfer to a large bowl and add cooked pasta and bacon, corn, black beans, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green onion and cilantro.
4. Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss to combine, sprinkle reserved bacon over the top before serving.