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Beef Taco Pasta Salad

Beef Taco Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist on Taco Night

A delicious Beef Taco Pasta Salad that's a fun twist on taco night, perfect for meal prep and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can swap for ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Store-bought or homemade
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Cook al dente
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Optional for milder dish
  • 2 medium Roma Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can be used as substitute
  • 1 can Corn Drain well
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can substitute with green bell pepper
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Green onions are a milder alternative
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Can use pepper jack for a spicy kick
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse and drain
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Creamy alternative can be used
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Nacho Doritos Crush before serving
  • 1 head Iceberg Lettuce Optional for presentation

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping jalapeño, Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, and yellow onion. Shred cheese if desired.
  3. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, drain excess fat, and add taco seasoning. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned beef, and prepared vegetables. Add drained corn and rinsed beans, then toss gently.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  6. Just before serving, crush the Doritos and sprinkle on top. Optionally serve over iceberg lettuce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For best results, crush the Doritos right before serving to maintain their crispiness. Customize with your favorite veggies as desired.

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