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Flavorful Taco Pasta Salad Recipe with Ground Beef and Avocado Crunch

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A quick and easy taco pasta salad combining seasoned ground beef, creamy avocado, crunchy Fritos, and a tangy dressing for a satisfying and fresh meal perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 8 oz (225 g) small pasta shells
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup (30 g) Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Taco seasoning blend:
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Dressing:
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the taco seasoning blend (1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste) to the beef. Stir well to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen flavor. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, seasoned beef, 1 cup (110 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (150 g) halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 sliced green onions. Gently fold to mix.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the avocado in the next step.
  7. Fold in 1 large diced avocado and 1 cup (30 g) Fritos corn chips just before serving to keep the crunch fresh.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if you like, and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Add avocado and Fritos just before serving to keep avocado fresh and Fritos crunchy. For dairy-free, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based versions. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. Adjust chili powder and hot sauce for desired spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, ground beef salad, avocado salad, Fritos salad, quick pasta salad, taco seasoning, easy dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/flavorful-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-avocado-crunch/