Print

Flavorful Taco Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe with Seasoned Ground Beef

taco ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy taco ranch pasta salad featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh veggies, perfect for summer gatherings and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
  • ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste over the beef. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika if using.
  5. Add the cooled seasoned beef to the bowl with pasta. Toss in cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta salad. Gently fold everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss gently before plating.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and cool it quickly. Let the seasoned beef cool slightly before mixing to avoid wilting fresh veggies. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before serving. Swap ranch for Greek yogurt-based or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or dairy-free versions. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Ground turkey can substitute beef but cooks faster.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, taco salad, crowd-pleaser, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/flavorful-taco-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-with-seasoned-ground-beef-easy-and-perfect-for-summer-gatherings/