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Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef in a vibrant bowl, topped with fresh ingredients.

Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef

A fresh and flavorful Taco Pasta Salad with seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and hearty pasta, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 lb ground beef Seasoned to taste
Rice/Grains
  • 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
Veggies
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
Sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing or creamy taco dressing Choose based on personal preference
Spices
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Lettuce for serving (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and a little water according to package instructions. Mix well and let simmer for a few minutes.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, and shredded cheese.
  2. Add the dressing and mix until everything is well-coated.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
  1. Serve over lettuce if desired, or chill before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; it should still have a slight bite to it. Experiment with different dressings; creamy taco dressing adds a nice flavor. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.