Description
Our Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad recipe demands two steps: al dente rotini and simmered, zesty ground beef. It’s cheesy, savory, and ready fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup prepared ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer until the liquid has reduced, then remove from heat and allow the beef to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Prepare the dressing by whisking together the ranch dressing and chunky salsa in a small bowl until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
- Step 4: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, the seasoned ground beef, thawed corn, sliced black olives, and shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared dressing mixture over the pasta salad. Fold the dressing into the ingredients until everything is lightly coated.
- Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator; for best texture and safety, consume within 3 days, as the pasta will absorb the dressing and soften considerably over time.
- As this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary; if the mixture seems too dry after overnight refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing to refresh the moisture content.
- For a perfect crunch and vibrant presentation, serve the chilled salad garnished with crushed tortilla chips, a few sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- Ensure both the rotini and the seasoned ground beef are fully cooled before mixing them with the Colby-Jack cheese, otherwise, any residual heat will cause the cheese to clump and melt immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 380g)
- Calories: 578
- Sodium: 852mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g