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Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad - thegirlskitchen

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650
A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta salad combining seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and crunchy chips for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 3 tbsp taco seasoning

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 oz rotini (cooked al dente)
  • 1 seeded and minced jalapeño
  • 1.5 cups diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz canned sweet corn (drained)
  • 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

Cheese and Dressing

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups Catalina dressing
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 9.25 oz Nacho Cheese Doritos (slightly crushed)

Lettuce and Lime

  • 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions 

  • Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet, add taco seasoning, and cook until fully cooked.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned beef, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
  • Gently fold in Catalina dressing and crushed Doritos, then top with shredded lettuce.
  • Serve immediately or chill before serving for a cooler salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pasta, Taco