Southwest Taco Pasta Delight
Elevate your potluck game with this delightful Southwest Taco Pasta Salad, inspired by Art Ginsberg, aka Mr. Food. This vibrant dish combines the bold flavors of traditional taco ingredients with tender spiral pasta, creating a satisfying and healthful main course that’s perfect for gatherings. Bursting with fresh vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and creamy avocado, it offers a colorful medley of textures and tastes. Whether served warm or chilled, each bite is a celebration of Southwest cuisine that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spiral shaped pasta (twists)
8 ounces (Cooked according to package directions)
ground beef
1 lb (Browned and drained)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/2 ounce) envelope (For seasoning the ground beef)
water
3/4 cup (To mix with the seasoning)
tomato
1, chopped (Freshly chopped)
onion
1/2 medium, chopped (Freshly chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (For mixing in the salad)
black olives
1/2 cup, drained, pitted and sliced (optional) (For adding to the salad)
taco sauce or salsa
3/4 cup (For mixing in the salad)
shredded lettuce
4 cups (For serving base)
avocado
1, peeled and cubed (For garnish)
crushed corn chips
to taste (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Cook the spiral pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until completely browned with no pink remaining. Carefully drain excess fat.
3
Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the skillet with the beef, stirring well to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Once done, drain any excess liquid.
4
In the bowl with the pasta, gently fold in the seasoned beef mixture, chopped tomato, onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced olives (if using).
5
Drizzle the taco sauce or salsa over the mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
To serve, create a bed of shredded lettuce on individual plates or a large serving platter. Spoon the taco pasta salad on top and garnish with cubed avocado and crushed corn chips. You can serve this hearty dish either warm or chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Taco Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant main course dish that combines the bold flavors of traditional taco ingredients with tender spiral pasta, inspired by Art Ginsberg, aka Mr. Food.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of spiral-shaped pasta, also known as twists.
How should the pasta be prepared?
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What kind of meat is included in the salad?
The recipe uses 1 pound of ground beef, which should be browned and drained of excess fat.
How is the ground beef seasoned?
The beef is seasoned with one 1.5-ounce envelope of taco seasoning mix and 3/4 cup of water.
How long should the beef simmer with the seasoning?
After adding the seasoning and water, let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
What vegetables are added to the pasta mixture?
Freshly chopped tomato, chopped onion, and optionally, sliced black olives are mixed into the salad.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese mixed directly into the pasta salad.
Can I use salsa instead of taco sauce?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of either taco sauce or salsa to dress the pasta mixture.
How is the salad presented for serving?
Create a bed of 4 cups of shredded lettuce on a platter or individual plates and spoon the taco pasta mixture on top.
What are the garnishes for this dish?
The dish is garnished with one peeled and cubed avocado and crushed corn chips to taste.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
This hearty dish is versatile and can be served either warm or chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful way to elevate your potluck game.
Who inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Art Ginsberg, famously known as Mr. Food.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the flavor profile of the Southwest Taco Pasta Delight?
It features a colorful medley of textures and bold flavors from Southwest cuisine, including savory beef and creamy avocado.
Is the onion used in the salad cooked or raw?
The recipe calls for 1/2 a medium onion, freshly chopped, to be folded into the salad.
Are black olives a required ingredient?
No, 1/2 cup of drained, pitted, and sliced black olives are listed as an optional addition.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it only until al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining.
What kind of lettuce is best for the base?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of shredded lettuce as the serving base.
Can I prepare the beef in advance?
Yes, the beef can be browned, seasoned, and simmered ahead of time before being folded into the pasta.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
Crushed corn chips added as a garnish provide a crunchy texture to the dish.
How much taco seasoning is needed?
The recipe uses one standard 1.5-ounce envelope of taco seasoning mix.
Is this considered a main course or a side dish?
While it can be served at potlucks, it is described as a satisfying and healthful main course.
What is the preparation for the tomato?
The tomato should be freshly chopped before being added to the mixture.
Can I use any other type of cheese?
The recipe specifies shredded cheddar, but you could substitute other varieties like Monterey Jack if desired.
What role does water play in the recipe?
Water is mixed with the taco seasoning to help create a sauce that coats the ground beef.
How much taco sauce should be drizzled on?
Drizzle 3/4 cup of taco sauce or salsa over the mixture and toss gently.
Is there any preparation needed for the avocado?
Yes, the avocado should be peeled and cubed before being used as a garnish.
How do I ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed?
After adding the sauce, toss all the ingredients gently in a large mixing bowl to combine them evenly.