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Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef

Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef for Fun Family Dinners

Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef is a vibrant and satisfying one-pot dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Ground Beef leaner cuts (90/10) preferred
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning homemade or store-bought
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Tomatoes chopped, cherry or grape preferred
  • 1 bell pepper Bell Pepper any color, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups Lettuce finely shredded, romaine or iceberg
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
  • 1/2 cup French Dressing can substitute with ranch or vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup Tortilla Chips add just before serving for crunch
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice tomatoes and bell pepper, chop red onion, and shred lettuce into thin strips.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, add taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rotini, seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, and red onion.
  5. Add Flavor Enhancers: Squeeze lime juice over the salad and toss. Pour in French dressing and mix gently.
  6. Final Touches: Fold in tortilla chips and garnish with cilantro just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the best results, rinse cooked rotini under cold water to prevent mushiness. Store lettuce and chips separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

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