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Beef Taco Pasta Salad

Beef Taco Pasta Salad: Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Beef Taco Pasta Salad combines the beloved taste of tacos with pasta, creating a quick and easy dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use 80/20 for the best balance of taste
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning McCormick is a trusted choice
For the Pasta and Veggies
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Cook until al dente
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Adjust based on spice tolerance
  • 2 medium Roma Tomatoes Dice into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can Corn Drain well to prevent excess moisture
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Chop into small pieces
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chop finely
For the Dairy and Dressing
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded for easy melting
  • 1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Kraft classic flavor works well
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Nacho Doritos Crushed into bite-sized pieces
  • Iceberg Lettuce Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While pasta cools, prepare the fresh ingredients: dice jalapeño and Roma tomatoes, chop red bell pepper and yellow onion, and shred cheddar cheese.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, seasoned beef, prepared vegetables, drained corn, rinsed black beans, and cheddar cheese. Toss until well combined.
  6. Pour Catalina dressing over the mixture and toss to thoroughly coat all ingredients.
  7. Just before serving, crush Nacho Doritos into bite-sized pieces and fold into the salad gently.
  8. Serve over a bed of iceberg lettuce and garnish with extra Doritos on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Beef Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful experience that brings everyone to the table. Customize with different proteins or dressings for variety.

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