Cowboy pasta salad uses southwestern flavors, ground beef and rotini to create a Tex-Mex pasta salad mashup.

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 2 cups 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 western salad dressing

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
2. 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.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.