Cowboy Pasta Salad

Name: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 3/4 cup water; 1 envelope taco seasoning; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 large green pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained; 1 bottle (16 ounces) Catalina or Western salad dressing

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Yield 10 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Cowboy pasta salad uses southwestern flavors, ground beef and rotini to create a Tex-Mex pasta salad mashup.

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup water
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 bottle (16 ounces) Catalina or Western salad dressing

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Rinse pasta in cold water and drain; place in a large bowl. Add beef mixture, cheese, green pepper, onion, tomato and olives; mix well. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 548 calories, 29g fat (9g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.

I take this slightly spicy salad to almost every party or picnic I attend. Every time I come home with lots of compliments, but never any leftovers! - Patty Ehlen, Burlington, Wisconsin

Recipe Creator