Hearty Ground Beef Taco Pasta Salad
A vibrant and satisfying fusion dish that combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rotini pasta, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy Catalina dressing. Finished with a signature crunch of nacho cheese chips, it is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or summer picnics.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs or large mixing spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 blend
- 16 oz Rotini or Fusilli pasta
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 cup Catalina or French dressing
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Corn fresh kernels or canned
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ Red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups Nacho cheese chips such as Doritos
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles. Drain the excess grease thoroughly.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has evaporated and the meat is well-coated. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the fresh elements by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the red onion, and chopping the cilantro. Ensure the beans and corn are well-rinsed and drained.
- In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the seasoned beef, tomatoes, onion, beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour about half of the dressing over the mixture and toss gently. Add more dressing as needed until every ingredient is glistening and evenly coated.
- Just before serving, fold in the crushed nacho cheese chips to ensure they maintain their satisfying crunch.
Notes
To prevent a dry salad, never add dressing to hot pasta. For the best texture, always add the chips at the very last second before the bowl hits the table. If you prefer a leaner meal, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, but be aware that the chips will soften; add a fresh handful of chips when serving leftovers to revive the crunch.