This Taco Pasta Salad brings all the bold, zesty flavors of taco night to a refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or busy weeknight dinners. Seasoned ground beef adds hearty protein while colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and protein-rich black beans create a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. The creamy combination of sour cream and salsa serves as the perfect dressing, while fresh cilantro and sharp cheddar cheese add the finishing touches that make this dish irresistible.
If you’re drawn to these Mexican-inspired flavors, you’ll love our Doritos Taco Salad with its similar bold seasonings and satisfying crunch. For another pasta salad favorite, try the Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with the same make-ahead convenience.
Taco Pasta Salad
Taco Pasta Salad combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, black beans, and cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy salsa and sour cream dressing.
6
servings20
minutes10
minutes550
kcal30
minutesIngredients
8 ounces pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup black beans, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until cooked through.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef, along with a little water if needed, and stir to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef mixture, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, and black beans.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, and half of the chopped cilantro to the bowl, tossing gently to mix.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve garnished with the remaining cilantro.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 550kcal
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
Can’t get enough of great flavors? Check out these popular recipes that readers love making again and again.
For Mexican-inspired favorites, our Tamale Casserole and Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole bring that same bold, warming spice to your dinner table. When you’re planning fresh salad options, the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad and Italian Grinder Bean Salad offer vibrant seasonal ingredients. Need crowd-pleasing dishes? Our Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup and Korean BBQ Pork deliver satisfying flavors that feed a group.
Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
