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Taco Pasta Salad Recipe: 9 Easy Tips for Perfect Flavor

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A flavorful Taco Pasta Salad loaded with seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, cheese, fresh vegetables, Catalina dressing, and crunchy Doritos. Perfect for potlucks, parties, and family dinners.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups dried rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup Catalina dressing
  • 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. Let drain completely.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add taco seasoning and stir until fully combined.
  5. Remove the beef from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  6. In a large bowl, combine pasta, seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Catalina dressing.
  7. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  9. Just before serving, stir in crushed Doritos and cilantro.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Rinse the pasta to stop the cooking process.
  • Add Doritos immediately before serving to maintain crunch.
  • Black beans, corn, and bell peppers make excellent additions.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Not recommended for freezing.
  • Use mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning based on preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/taco-pasta-salad/