Description
A delicious and hearty pasta salad with ground beef, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup diced onions (I used red onions)
- 15 oz canned diced chilies and tomatoes (Drained)
- 1 cup grated cheese (Cheddar, Cheddar Jack, or Monterey Jack Cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4–1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
- shredded lettuce
- tortilla strips or crushed chips
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (Optional for spicy)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
- Rinse the pasta in cold water and dry completely.
- Use the same pot used for the pasta or use a skillet and place the pot/pan on medium-high heat. Add the diced onions.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef.
- Use a meat chopper or spoon to break down the ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add all of the spices/seasoning and diced tomatoes and chilies. Stir.
- Add the sour cream (or yogurt) and salad dressing to a large serving bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add in the cooked pasta, ground beef, and grated cheese. Stir to combine. Taste repeatedly and adjust the spices, salt, and pepper as necessary.
- Top with lettuce, tortilla strips, and any of your other favorite toppings.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking.
- This dish can be served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg