Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Taco Pasta Salad combining seasoned ground beef, pasta shells, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, salsa, crunchy nacho cheese Doritos, and a tangy Western dressing. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a refreshing meal served chilled.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 lbs ground beef (can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 oz taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz medium sized pasta shells (any short sized pasta will work)
- 9 oz sharp cheddar cheese or any Mexican style cheese, grated
Vegetables and Miscellaneous
- 1/2 head of lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup salsa
- 14.5 oz bag of nacho cheese Doritos (use about half the bag, maybe less)
- 8-12 oz Western dressing (French or Catalina dressing can be used as substitutes)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the taco seasoning and water, then let it 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.
- Finish and Serve: When ready to serve, add the nacho cheese Doritos, chopped lettuce, and Western dressing. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Prepare up to step 3 in advance and refrigerate; add chips, lettuce, and dressing just before serving to keep chips crunchy.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork as preferred.
- If Western dressing is unavailable, French or Catalina dressing make good alternatives.
- Use any short pasta shape if medium pasta shells are not available.
- Adjust the amount of Doritos based on desired crunchiness and portion size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
