taco pasta salad

4 Pinches 1 Photo
Ofallon, MO
Updated on Jan 18, 2026

Easy Taco Pasta Salad brings taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, black beans, cheddar, and scallions together with a creamy, slightly spicy, easy-to-pull-together ranch dressing. This pasta salad is a complete meal that can be pulled together in under 30 minutes. It is a complete meal in itself and perfect for those warm summer nights when you don’t want to turn on the oven or venture out to grill something.

prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • INGREDIENTS
  • 12 ounces radiatore pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 small head romaine lettuce chopped (about 6 cups)
  • salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • DRESSING
  • 1 1/3 cups ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa or salsa style tomatoes

How To Make taco pasta salad

  • Step 1
    Cook pasta al dente according to box instructions. Drain well and cool. Stir or flip while cooling so it does not stick.
  • Step 2
    In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Drain any excess fat. Turn the heat to low and add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 7-10 minutes.
  • Step 3
    In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, Adobo sauce, sour cream, and salsa.
  • Step 4
    Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Add the mixed dressing, cheddar, tomatoes, scallions, black beans, romaine lettuce, and seasoned beef.
  • Step 5
    Stir gently to coat and serve. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Discover More

Category: Pasta Salads
Ingredient: Pasta
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top

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