This Easy Taco Pasta Salad is a delicious pasta salad infused with Mexican flavors. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, cheese and a delicious creamy dressing, it is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck, barbecue or game day party!
This recipe came from a co-worker who was another wonderful person and opened her recipe collection to me. This one is from her family's recipe collection and after trying it a few times, I can tell you it is so easy and really delicious! I've made this one several times and I think it comes out different every time because I add a few different things each time. If you like to experiment with a new recipe, this would be a good one! Definitely a must try!
If the kids like to have a taco night, this is a fun way for them to try something different with the same great Mexican-inspired flavors! The flavor of the Taco Pasta Salad will remind you of a taco salad, but the tender pasta is replacing the tortilla (or tortilla bowl). This meal is definitely the main course because it is very filling!
What You Need
Rotini Pasta or Spiral Pasta
Lean Ground Beef
Green Bell Peppers
Taco Seasoning
Cold Water
Cheddar Cheese
Salsa
Sour Cream
Nacho Chips like crunchy Doritos, Tortilla Strips, or Corn Chips
Fresh Cilantro
Tips for Making Easy Taco Pasta Salad Recipe with a Creamy Dressing
Add on your favorite taco toppings like green onions (or red onions), sliced avocado, black olives, fresh corn or lime juice
If you want more heat, add jalapeno peppers
Substitute the ground beef with rinsed black beans for a vegetarian dish
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey
Use Pepper Jack cheese rather than Cheddar Cheese for more spice
Use a low carb pasta to save on the carbs.
If you’re looking for more pasta salads, check out:
How to Make Taco Pasta Salad
This recipe comes together very quickly and can be on the table in about 30 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the rotini according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet on medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease and return to skillet. While the beef is cooking, chop up the green pepper. Add the green pepper, taco seasoning and water to the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
Cooked Pasta Cooked Ground Beef with Green Bell Pepper
Step 2: While the beef is simmering, combine the salsa and sour cream in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 3: When the pasta is fully cooked, drain the water and add the cooked pasta to the meat mixture. Add the cheese and mix until full combined. Move to a large bowl and add chopped tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), nacho chips, and any other optional add-ons. Top with the salsa and sour cream dressing.
How to Store Taco Pasta Salad
The Taco Pasta Salad may be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. It reheats very well in the microwave for lunch the next day!
Add this one of your favorite recipes because it is a complete meal full of great flavor! It is Forkin' Good!
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