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Hearty taco pasta salad with ground beef, rotini pasta, peppers, and corn served on a wooden spoon.

Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

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This taco pasta salad recipe combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, tangy Catalina dressing, and crunchy Doritos for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, it’s a hearty and colorful twist on traditional taco and pasta salads.

  • Total Time: 25
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini pasta, cooked al dente

  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced

  • 1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced

  • 1 can (15.25 ounces / 432 g) corn kernels, drained

  • ½ cup (74 g) red bell pepper, finely diced

  • ½ cup (80 g) yellow onion, diced

  • 2 cups (226 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup (272 g) Catalina dressing

  • 1 bag (9.25 ounces / 262 g) Nacho Doritos, slightly crushed (reserve some for topping)

  • Diced iceberg lettuce, optional for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Taco Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef for 8–10 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 2–3 tablespoons of water, then stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 more minutes and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked taco meat, jalapeño, diced Roma tomato, corn, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4 – Add Dressing:
Pour 1 cup of Catalina dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5 – Add Crunch & Serve:
Just before serving, fold in the slightly crushed Doritos. Top with additional Doritos and diced iceberg lettuce for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make-ahead tip: Assemble all ingredients except Doritos, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add Doritos just before serving to maintain crunch.

  • Protein alternatives: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or shredded chicken.

  • Spice it up: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne for extra heat.

  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: Salad / Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop & Mixing Bowl
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian