Description
This Seasoned Ground Beef Taco Pasta Salad Bowl is the ultimate fusion of taco night flavor and pasta salad comfort. Made with taco-seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, fresh veggies, cheddar cheese, and bold toppings, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner or potluck favorite. Perfect for meal prep, summer parties, or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sliced black olives
2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Optional: 1 avocado diced, 1 jalapeño sliced, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup ranch dressing or salsa
Instructions
1. Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water (2–3 tablespoons). Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the beef is fully coated in seasoning. Remove from heat.
4. While the beef cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce. Slice black olives and prep any optional add-ins.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, olives, onions, and lettuce. Add cheddar cheese and toss everything together gently.
6. Optional: Drizzle with ranch dressing or salsa for extra flavor.
7. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
For a crunchier bite, add crushed tortilla chips or serve them on the side.
To keep lettuce crisp for meal prep, store it separately and add just before eating.
This salad can also be served warm by combining freshly cooked pasta and beef with the toppings right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Salad / Meal Prep
- Method: Skillet & Boil
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg