Ingredients for Taco Pasta Salad
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- Spiral Shaped Pasta
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced green bell peppers
- Cheddar Cheese
- Onion
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Plain Doritos
- Western Salad Dressing
How to Make Taco Pasta Salad
- Cook 1 pound of pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in 1 packet (1 ounce) of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooled pasta to the meat mixture. Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- The next day, dice 1 cup of tomatoes, 1 cup of green bell peppers, and 1/2 cup of red onion. Add these to the pasta mixture.
- Just before serving, combine the pasta salad with 2 cups of chopped lettuce, 1 cup crushed Doritos, and your favorite taco salad dressing (approximately 1/2 cup). Toss gently to combine.
- (Optional) Add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives, 1 ripe avocado (diced), and/or 1-2 jalapeños (minced), to taste.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
23 g
Sugar
25g
Fat
82g
Carbs
14g
