Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bold Flavors: The combination of taco seasoning, seasoned ground beef, and fresh veggies creates a zesty, savory flavor that everyone will love.
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Crunchy and Creamy: The addition of crunchy taco chips gives the pasta salad a unique texture, balanced by the creamy cheese.
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Customizable: You can add your favorite taco toppings like olives, sour cream, or jalapeños to make this dish your own.
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta (or similar medium-sized pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1.5 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2-3 cups Mexican shredded cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons). Simmer for a few minutes until the beef is well-coated and the seasoning is absorbed.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the fresh tomatoes and dice the green bell pepper.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned beef, tomatoes, green bell pepper, and Mexican shredded cheese. Toss everything together until well-mixed.
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Serve: For an extra crunch, top the pasta salad with crushed taco chips or tortilla chips just before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans to make the salad even heartier.
- Spicy Kick: If you like spice, stir in some diced jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for seasoned tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after it has had some time to chill in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! Any medium-sized pasta, like penne or fusilli, will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I add sour cream to the pasta salad?
Yes, you can mix in some sour cream for a creamy texture. You can also serve it on the side as a topping.
Can I make this pasta salad without meat?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with beans, grilled vegetables, or a meat substitute like tofu.
What kind of taco seasoning should I use?
You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
How do I keep the taco chips from getting soggy?
Add the crushed taco chips just before serving to maintain their crunch. You can also serve them on the side for people to sprinkle on top as they like.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Mexican shredded cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to add diced onions, corn, or avocado for more flavor and texture.
Is this pasta salad spicy?
It depends on the taco seasoning you use. If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add jalapeños, chili flakes, or use a spicier taco seasoning blend.
Conclusion
This Crunchy Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for casual gatherings and family meals. With its combination of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying and crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will love. Plus, it’s customizable and can be made ahead of time for added convenience. Enjoy!
Crunchy Taco Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Salad, BBQ
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Description
Crunchy Taco Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful dish that blends the bold flavors of taco seasoning and seasoned ground beef with pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy cheese finish. Topped with crunchy taco chips, this pasta salad is the perfect crowd-pleaser for BBQs, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Easily customizable to your taste!
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta (or similar medium-sized pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2–3 cups Mexican shredded cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Optional: Crushed taco chips or tortilla chips for topping
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down. Set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat.
- Cook, breaking the beef apart, until fully browned and cooked.
- Drain excess fat, stir in taco seasoning, and add a splash of water (2 tablespoons).
- Simmer until the beef is well-coated and seasoned.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop tomatoes and dice the green bell pepper while the beef is cooking.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, seasoned beef, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheese.
- Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
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Serve:
- For added crunch, sprinkle crushed taco chips or tortilla chips over the top before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add sour cream either mixed into the salad or as a topping.
- Customize with your favorite taco toppings, like olives or jalapeños.
