Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

4.4
(9)

I first made this for my husband to take for a guy's skiing weekend. He didn't want a 'girlie' pasta salad, so this one has taco beef and cheese. Very hearty, and a big hit with all the guys. I have since brought it to a family reunion....now they request it every year!

3
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
10 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta

  • 2 pounds extra lean ground beef

  • 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

  • 1 (24 ounce) jar mild salsa

  • 1 (8 ounce) bottle ranch dressing

  • 1 ½ red bell peppers, chopped

  • 6 green onions, chopped

  • ¾ cup chopped pickled jalapeno peppers

  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives (Optional)

  • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Fill a large pot with water; pour in the olive oil and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the fusilli, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease. Mix in taco seasoning mix, remove from heat, and cool completely.

  3. Combine salsa, ranch dressing, bell peppers, green onions, jalapenos, and black olives in a medium bowl. Toss together the cooked pasta, cooled beef mixture, Cheddar cheese, and dressing mixture in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

597 Calories
34g Fat
43g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 597
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 85mg 28%
Sodium 1541mg 67%
Total Carbohydrate 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 30g 60%
Vitamin C 27mg 30%
Calcium 216mg 17%
Iron 4mg 22%
Potassium 612mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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