Description
If you’re looking for an easy dinner idea that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and satisfying—this Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad is it. A delicious fusion of taco night and pasta salad, this dish brings together seasoned ground beef, spiraled rotini, juicy cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing for an irresistible weeknight or potluck meal. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s one of those food ideas everyone will rave about. Perfect for meal prep, summer BBQs, or as a hearty lunch. It’s one of my favorite quick dinner and healthy-ish comfort food options.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and seasoned ground beef. Allow to cool slightly.
4. Add cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped lettuce. Mix gently to combine.
5. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt, toss until well coated. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Use cold pasta and slightly cooled beef to avoid melting cheese or wilting lettuce.
Keep sour cream and lettuce separate if storing ahead of time to maintain texture.
Add extra lime or hot sauce for a zestier kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg