Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking ground beef
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning to the ground beef and stir to combine.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss to combine.
7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used instead of black beans.
- Green bell pepper can be used instead of red bell pepper.
- Green onion can be used instead of red onion.
Variations:
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as rotini or penne.
- Add diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make the salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to moisten it up.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with extra cilantro leaves.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or steak.
Suggested side dishes:
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Refried beans
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad seems dry, add more dressing or a little bit of olive oil to moisten it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- The origins of macaroni salad are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a spicy and tangy flavor from the taco seasoning, salsa, and lime juice.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a main dish or as a side dish at a barbecue or potluck.
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