Taco Pasta Salad

By [e-mail]

Suggestions:
Use kidney beans instead of the peppers
Put crumbled Doritos on top
Use Salsa and sour cream in place of the dressing
Add Taco or Mexican shredded cheese

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) Catalina or 16 ounces Western salad dressing

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes.
Rinse pasta in cold water and drain;
place in a large bowl.
Add beef mixture, cheese, green pepper, onion, tomato and olives; mix well.
Add the dressing and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.