Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become an absolute staple in our household. Taco Pasta Salad! Think of it as the delicious love child of a creamy pasta salad and all your favorite taco fillings. Is this the same crunch and zesty flavor you crave from tacos? Cool, refreshing salad form. Is it better to eat tacos with a fork? What are some easy recipes for summer potlucks? What are some of the best ways to make this dish? Is there a better way to try this one?
What is Taco Pasta Salad?
What is Taco Pasta Salad? What is essentially cooked pasta (I prefer rotini or shells because they grab all that yummy yummy). ), tossed with seasoned ground beef or turkey (you could even use shredded chicken!). ), all your favorite taco toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, black olives, and then top with your choice of topping. What are some of the best taco salad dressings? Think of it as a pasta salad that went on vacation to Mexico and came back with soooo much more flavor. What is the flavor profile Is this a complete meal in one bowl? I’m a picky eater. My nephew is one of them! What are some good kicks to add to a salad with jalapenos or chipotles?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let me tell you why this Taco Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe. First off, the *flavor* is insane! You get that savory, seasoned meat, the coolness of the lettuce and tomatoes, the salty olives, and that creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a fiesta in your mouth, I swear! Plus, the simplicity of this recipe is a huge win. Seriously, most of the ingredients are just chopped and tossed. The most “complicated” part is cooking the ground beef, and even that’s a breeze! What I love most about this is the Cost-What are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? Is it a good budget option? And, of course, the people. And the countryversatilityIs it a huge plus to swap out ingredients to suit your tastes? Don’t have ground beef? Use ground turkey or shredded chicken. Not a fan of black olives? I usually add a can of rinsed and drained corn to this. Leave them out! What are some ways to add sweetness to a salad? I brought it to my book club and it was a big hit. I swear it’s more popular than enchiladas sometimes!
How to Make Taco Pasta Salad
Quick Overview
Making Taco Pasta Salad is seriously a breeze! You basically cook your pasta, brown your ground beef with taco seasoning, chop your veggies, and then toss everything together with a creamy dressing. It sounds so simple, right? Well, that’s because it *is*! The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish, so you can prepare it in advance and have it ready to go when you are. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together. Just toss right before serving and you’re golden!
Ingredients
What is Taco Meat?
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but you can use whatever you like)
I always have a few packets of taco seasoning in my pantry.
* 1/2 cup water
For the Pasta Salad:
* 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape) .
* 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, your call)
* 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works too!)
* 1/4 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (again, I use the packet)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder (for extra flavor)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 cups shredded lettuce (Romaine or iceberg work great)
* 1 cup chopped tomatoes
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional, but I love them)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you keep pasta from sticking together? Set it aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. I always use a leaner ground beef so there isn’t as much grease.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the beef is nicely seasoned. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, taco seasoning, chili powder, and salt. Set aside. How can I mix garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I always taste it and add a little extra chili powder, but that’s just my preference.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta and ground beef to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat everything evenly. Then, add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and black olives. Gently toss again to combine.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is optional, but it really does make a difference! Before serving, give it a good toss and enjoy! You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for an extra touch of deliciousness. I also like to sprinkle a little extra cheese!
What should I serve it with?
Taco Pasta Salad is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meals, this is the recipe for you. What are some ideas for a meal? For a casual cookout, serve it with some grilled corn on the cob and watermelon. What are some great side dishes to serve with tortilla chips? For a potluck, pair it with other easy-to-transport dishes like potato salad or coleslaw. My family always loves margaritas and I make them with this. It’s the perfect compliment!
How do I make Taco Pasta Salad?
Okay, here are a few tips that I’ve learned over the years of making this Taco Pasta Salad to make sure yours turns out perfect every time! For the pasta, make sure you don’t overcook it. You want it to be al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the salad. Rinsing it with cold water after cooking is key to stopping the cooking process and preventing sticking. When it comes to the ground beef, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. I sometimes add a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. And for the dressing, feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little more milk. If you want a tangier dressing, add a squeeze of lime juice. I always add a little bit, it makes all the difference. It is important to ensure that the ground beef and pasta have both cooled fully before mixing the ingredients together. This is important so that your salad stays cold and fresh! You can make this ahead of time and save time before serving. I tend to do this, so the dish is easy to assemble.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Taco Pasta Salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. However, keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt a bit over time, so it’s best to eat it sooner rather than later. I don’t recommend freezing Taco Pasta Salad, as the mayonnaise in the dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. If you do want to freeze it, I would suggest leaving out the lettuce and adding it fresh after thawing. It is not recommended that you reheat this dish because it is a cold dish.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My family’s favorite Taco Pasta Salad recipe. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and totally customizable. What more could you ask for? I truly think that the ease of making this recipe, and the flexibility to adjust the ingredients to my liking makes it my favorite. I really hope you give this one a try. I promise, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! And if you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out some of my other salad recipes. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I love hearing about your variations and creations. What’s your favorite thing to add to this taco pasta salad? Let me know!
Taco Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 cup Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Frozen Corn thawed
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.5 cup Taco Seasoning
- 0.25 cup Sour Cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese.
- Add the sour cream and stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
