Simple Supper

I was looking for something to cook for dinner that was fast and easy and didn't require a lot of clean up.  We love taco salad but my daughter had gotten some dental work done and would have had a difficult time chewing the chips.  I have made this numerous times and thought I would make it again but tweak it just a little.

 Here is the recipe:

1-2 lbs. ground beef (depending on how meaty you like it)

4 Tbs. chopped onion, divided

2 Tbs. chili powder

2 Tbs. cumin

1 Tbs. paprika (in place of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, you can use taco seasoning)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 bottle Western style salad dressing (or  Catalina)

1 lb. box of pasta twists, cooked and drained 

1 c. chopped tomato

1/2 c. chopped green pepper, (or red or yellow or combination bell peppers)

1 small can sliced black olives

1/3 head of lettuce (iceberg)washed and torn into bite-size pieces

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 c. fresh corn kernels, or frozen corn, thawed 

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (not finely shredded)

2 c. Dorito brand tortilla chips, Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese, broken up a little, optional

**Brown ground beef with garlic and 2 Tbs. of the onion. Add spices or use taco seasoning pkt. Cool slightly. Put all vegetables including remaining onion into a big bowl. Add pasta. Add meat mixture, and cheese. Pour dressing over all and mix. To serve, spoon onto plates, sprinkle with broken up Doritos. Serve immediately.  

We love this salad!!  It is very filling. And it is a quick cook, simple supper or lunch with fast clean up.  I have taken this dish to potlucks and added the salad dressing and mixed it in at the last minute 

to keep it crunchy. 

*Note* You can use light version of dressing and ground turkey in place of beef and fat free cheese without altering the outcome too much. It is still delicious! Also, you may omit chips or olives or beans if you so desire. 

 Have a great day!!
    
       Annabell