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Tacos are one of our favorite meals. They're an all-in-one meal. You can't beat tacos. Or can you? This pasta salad gets just as many stars here at our house, and it's great for potlucks because it goes a long way. When making it for a potluck, I'll double the recipe, but be prepared - you're going to need a BIG bowl and some big appetites. Both of which are easy to find in my house. You in? I thought so. Let's get this party started!
If you're taking this to a potluck I would suggest mixing in everything except the cheese, lettuce, and dressing. I usually take the cheese and lettuce in baggies and mix it all right before we're ready to eat. Everything looks and tastes fresh and crunchy. If you're wondering what to serve for your next meal, whip up this salad. Your family will love you for it!
Taco Pasta & Chip Salad
Tacos are one of our favorite meals. They're an all-in-one meal. You can't beat tacos. Or can you? This pasta salad gets just as many stars here at our house, and it's great for potlucks because it goes a long way
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Calories: 787kcal
adjust servings:
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini noodles
- 1 pound of ground beef
- Taco seasoning mix (I used the Ortega 1.25 oz. package)
- 1 ½ - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (just depends on how much you like cheese)
- 3 cups chopped lettuce (I like to use chopped instead of shredded because it gives even more crunch to the salad)
- 1- pint grape or cherry tomatoes quartered
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
- 1 7 oz. bag of Fritos
- Sour cream (optional topping for serving)
Instructions
- Brown your ground beef until crumbly and no longer pink. Drain the grease and then pour back into the pan. Stir the taco seasoning into the beef mixture and place in the refrigerator to cool. Sometimes I even place it in the freezer if I'm in a hurry.
- While the beef cools, boil your noodles in salted water until al dente. I taste test instead of using timers for noodles. Who likes a soggy noodle? Anyone? Anyone? I didn't think so.
- Drain the noodles and run some cool water over them in the strainer. Pour the noodles into a larger bowl.
- Now add your beef mixture to the noodles. Toss the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, Catalina (or French) dressing and chips into the pasta mixture. Get your muscles out, people. This step is not for wimps. Make sure it all gets mixed well and top with a few extra chips and some sour cream if you'd like.
Notes
- Customizable Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning mix according to your taste preferences and spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less seasoning, or if you enjoy a bolder taste, add extra seasoning. You can also experiment with different brands or homemade taco seasoning blends to suit your palate.
- Noodle Texture: Ensure the rotini noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy once mixed with the other ingredients. Taste-testing is a great way to determine the perfect texture. Remember to drain the noodles promptly and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- Mixing with Care: When combining the cooked beef mixture, noodles, and other salad ingredients, handle the mixture gently to avoid crushing the Fritos and maintain the texture of the salad. Use a large spatula or spoon to toss the ingredients together evenly. Take your time to ensure everything is well incorporated without mashing the chips or bruising the lettuce.
Nutrition
Calories: 787kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 1135mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1410IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 3mg
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