Busy moms know that weeknight dinners can be a challenge. You need something quick, easy, and satisfying for the whole family. Enter this delightful 30-Minute Taco Pasta Salad. It’s a vibrant, hearty dish packed with flavors that the kids will love. Best of all, you can whip it up in no time, giving you more quality moments with your family at dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe shines for several reasons. First, it combines the best of both worlds: the comfort of pasta with the delightful kick of taco flavors. It’s perfect for families looking for a dish that satisfies both kids and adults, all in one bowl.
The minimal prep time makes it a winner for weeknights. With just one skillet and one bowl, you’ll save on cleanup time too. The ingredients are easily customizable, allowing you to adapt based on what you have on hand or to cater to picky eaters. Plus, with its colorful ingredients, it looks as good as it tastes!
How to Make 30-Minute Taco Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or zesty dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and follow package instructions to combine (adding water if required).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, black beans, and red onion.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with shredded cheese and garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for enhanced flavor.
30-Minute Taco Pasta Salad
A quick and easy Taco Pasta Salad that combines the comfort of pasta with bold taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying for the whole family.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or zesty dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and follow package instructions to combine (adding water if required).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, black beans, and red onion.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with shredded cheese and garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for enhanced flavor.
Notes
Consider setting up a taco bar with additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream to customize each plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Beef
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Serve
You can serve this 30-Minute Taco Pasta Salad as a main dish or as a side. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or tortilla chips for a fun twist. Consider setting up a taco bar with additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream, allowing each member of the family to customize their plate.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, consider leaving off the cheese until serving to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or toss it in a pan on low heat, adding a little splash of water if necessary to moisten it.
Tips and Variations
- Switch it Up: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add More Veggies: Sneak in additional veggies like zucchini or spinach to increase nutrition without compromising flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use tofu or a mix of beans and extra veggies for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Try Different Sauces: Experiment with different dressings—Italian or chipotle ranch work well too.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier option for dinner.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape you have on hand works great. Bowtie, rotini, or penne would all be excellent choices.
Can I freeze Taco Pasta Salad?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for about a month. Just remember to leave out the dressing and cheese if freezing.
Conclusion
This 30-Minute Taco Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for busy families looking for a quick and delicious meal. Its ease of preparation and flavorful ingredients make it a go-to weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to save it for those days when you need a reliable, comforting dish on your table!
