Description

This Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Catalina dressing. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a family meal, it offers a delightful crunch with Doritos and refreshing shredded lettuce added just before serving, making it a vibrant and satisfying salad.

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

1 pound rotini
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans

15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
8 ounces canned corn, drained
1 small onion, diced
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups shredded Fiesta blend cheese
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Dressing and Toppings

16 ounces Catalina dressing
3 tablespoons sour cream
9 ounces Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the rotini. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
Brown Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the lean ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any grease.
Add Seasoning: Add the taco seasoning packet and ¼ cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir well to coat and simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to evaporate for concentrated flavor.
Combine Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, diced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded Fiesta blend cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
Add Dressing to Salad: Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all components with the creamy dressing.
Serve or Chill: If serving immediately, add the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos and shredded iceberg lettuce, then mix gently to combine. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. If preparing ahead, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the Doritos, lettuce, and cilantro just before serving to maintain crispness.

Notes

To prevent sogginess, add lettuce and Doritos right before serving, or serve them on the side if leftovers are expected.
This recipe yields a large quantity – perfect for gatherings or potlucks, but easy to halve for smaller servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American