If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best of tacos and pasta salad, this Taco Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a dish for a potluck, this recipe is a winner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 boxes of rotini pasta
- 1.5 lbs of ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning mix)
- 1 bottle of Catalina dressing (you’ll use about 3/4 of the bottle)
- 1.5 cans of black olives, sliced (reserve half a can for snacking)
- 1 bag of Doritos, crushed (approximately 4.5 handfuls)
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water as directed on the seasoning packet. Cook until the meat is well-coated and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta. Pour enough Catalina dressing over the pasta to give it some color and flavor, roughly half of the bottle. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Taco Meat and Mix-ins: Add the taco meat, a big handful of shredded cheese, the sliced black olives, and 3 handfuls of crushed Doritos to the pasta. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of the salad. For a fun twist, serve extra Doritos on the side to use as spoons. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The flavors and textures are a hit with kids, making it a great family meal.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes, adding more veggies or switching up the cheese.
- Great for Gatherings: This salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.
- Flavorful: The combination of taco seasoning, Catalina dressing, and Doritos creates a delicious, savory taste.
- Hearty and Filling: With pasta, ground beef, and cheese, this dish is both satisfying and substantial.
- Quick to Prepare: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and refrigerate until serving time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is always a hit with both kids and adults.
- Fun to Eat: Using Doritos as a spoon adds a fun and tasty twist.
Nutritional Information for Taco Pasta Salad
The nutritional values provided below are estimates based on the ingredients listed and standard portion sizes. The actual values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities used. This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1 cup, assuming the entire recipe serves 12.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Detailed Nutritional Components:
- Calories: Each serving contains approximately 350 calories. The combination of pasta, ground beef, cheese, and Doritos contributes to the calorie count.
- Total Fat: With 18 grams of total fat per serving, this dish is moderate in fat content. The cheese, ground beef, and Doritos are the primary sources of fat.
- Saturated Fat: Each serving has about 6 grams of saturated fat, mainly from the cheese and ground beef.
- Cholesterol: The dish contains 45 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, primarily from the ground beef and cheese.
- Sodium: With 600 milligrams of sodium per serving, this salad has a moderate amount of sodium, primarily from the taco seasoning, Catalina dressing, and cheese.
- Total Carbohydrates: Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates, which provide energy. The pasta and Doritos contribute to the carbohydrate content.
- Dietary Fiber: With 3 grams of fiber per serving, the dish offers a moderate amount of dietary fiber, contributed by the pasta and black olives.
- Sugars: Each serving has about 5 grams of sugar, mostly from the Catalina dressing.
- Protein: With 18 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a good source of protein, primarily from the ground beef and cheese.
Nutritional Highlights:
- Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some dietary fiber.
- Ground Beef: A good source of protein, iron, and various B vitamins.
- Cheese: Adds protein and calcium, but also contributes to the saturated fat content.
- Black Olives: Offer healthy fats and some fiber.
- Doritos: Provide crunch and flavor, but also add to the fat and sodium content.
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Catalina Dressing: Adds flavor and a bit of sweetness, but also contributes sugars and sodium.
