HOT OR COLD TACO SALAD

Hot or Cold Taco Salad image

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb lean ground beef
2 c spiral pasta or your favorite type
1 pkg mccormick's taco seasoning or chili mix
3 1/2 c hot water or beef or vegetable broth
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves,crushed
1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 medium green bell pepper
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/3 c sliced green onions and tops
1/4 c pitted ripe olives, sliced
1 c shredded cheddar cheese or mexican blend
5 c shredded lettuce
8 oz container dairy sour cream

Steps:

1. Cook and stir ground beef in a large skillet until no longer pink; drain off grease. Stir in pasta, taco mix, water, garlic,oregano, Worcestershire sauce and pepper;Bring to a boil,cover; stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
2. Uncover and cook 5 minutes longer; cool 5 minutes. Place remaining ingredients in a large bowl; toss ground beef mixture with cheese and lettuce. Serve immediately or , if desired, leave out lettuce and cheese.
3. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours. Then serve on a bed of lettuce and sprinkle cheese over top and a dollop of sour cream on the side. I also like to serve with Mediterranean Pita Crackers on the side or corn chips on top.