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Loaded Taco Pasta Salad

LOADED TACO PASTA SALAD
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Everything you love about tacos and pasta salad tossed in a delicious Loaded Taco Pasta Salad! This tasty salad is perfect for a picnic or a potluck! 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rotini pasta (or similar)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 2–3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican or taco cheese
  • 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilis (drained)
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion (optional)
  • 16 oz bottle creamy French dressing
  • 2–3 cups crushed corn chips

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  3. While pasta is cooking add ground beef along with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper to a large skillet that has been preheating over medium heat. 
  4. Cook ground beef, stirring to break up chunks until cooked throughly. Drain and excess grease. And set ground beef mixture aside to cool slightly before adding to pasta.
  5. Place pasta in a large bowl along with ground beef mixture, lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes and chilis, and black beans. You can also add in some chopped cilantro and green onion too. That’s totally optional.  
  6. Add 1 cup of dressing and toss to coat.
  7. Add an additional 1/2-1 cup dressing if needed, reserving at least 1/2 cup to toss right before serving. 
  8. Chill pasta salad in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
  9. Before serving mix in crushed corn chips and add additional dressing if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. 

Find it online: https://www.motherthyme.com/2018/06/loaded-taco-pasta-salad.html