Savory Taco-Inspired Pasta Salad

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This Taco Pasta Salad is a fun, vibrant dish that brings the best of both worlds — the comforting texture of pasta combined with the bold flavors of tacos! With seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy salsa ranch dressing, it’s a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the seasoning is well mixed and the beef is evenly coated. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and red onion.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and salsa. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and toss everything to coat evenly.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

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