Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 16 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits, crispy
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon.
  3. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the beef cool for 10 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, thawed corn, diced red pepper, and red onion.
  5. Add the cooled pasta and browned beef to the vegetable mixture and toss gently.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, lime juice, honey, and cayenne until smooth.
  7. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, then fold in the shredded cheddar and crispy bacon bits.