Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Taco Pasta Salad combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, cheese, fresh lettuce, and crunchy Doritos, tossed with a creamy Western dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners served chilled.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 lbs ground beef (ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 oz taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz medium-sized pasta shells (any short pasta works)
- 9 oz sharp cheddar or Mexican style cheese, grated
Vegetables and Dressing
- 1/2 head of lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup salsa
- 8-12 oz Western dressing (French or Catalina dressing can substitute)
Crunchy Addition
- 14.5 oz bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos (use about half the bag)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted boiling water just until al dente. Immediately drain and run under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Drain the excess grease if needed. Add the taco seasoning and water, then let simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, taco meat, grated cheese, and salsa until well combined.
- Add Fresh Ingredients and Dressing: When ready to serve, add the chopped lettuce, Doritos, and Western dressing to the mixture. Toss gently to combine. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- This salad can be made up to one day ahead; prepare through step 3 and refrigerate.
- Add the Doritos, lettuce, and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- You can substitute taco seasoning with homemade spice blend if preferred.
- Use any short pasta you have on hand, such as rotini or penne.
- Western dressing can be substituted with French or Catalina dressing if not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
