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Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef

Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef – A Flavorful Family Classic

This Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef combines vibrant taco flavors with hearty pasta for a family-friendly dish that's perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Rotini Holds dressing beautifully
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Opt for leaner beef for a healthier option
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Essential for taco flavors
For the Fresh Additions
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Fresh or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Mix colors for appeal
  • 2 cups Lettuce Consider spinach for added nutrients
  • 1 small Red Onion Sharp, zesty kick
For the Creamy Factor
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese Mexican blend or cheddar
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice Freshly squeezed is best
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Tortilla Chips Crush just before serving
For Dressing
  • ½ cup French Dressing Can substitute with Ranch
For Garnishing
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro Parsley can be an alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
  2. Prep vegetables: dice tomatoes, chop bell pepper, shred lettuce, and dice red onion.
  3. Brown beef in a skillet over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
  4. Season beef with taco seasoning and a splash of water; cook for 2 more minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled rotini, seasoned beef, and chopped vegetables. Squeeze lime juice in.
  6. Pour French dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is coated.
  7. Add crushed tortilla chips just before serving and fold into the salad.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve promptly for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Rinse cooked rotini immediately after draining to avoid clumping. Customizable with different proteins and vegetables.

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