Taco Pasta Salad

I asked Allison Gibbons to share a quick and easy family favorite at our Creative Cooking class.  This dish is prepared in less than 1/2 hr. and, besides being kid friendly, is yummy.  It's a dish you could spruce up or down.  Loved it.  Making it today for kiddos.

Taco Pasta Salad
(serves 4)

8 oz. uncooked rotini pasta
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup water
2 T. taco seasoning mix (I used the whole packet)
2 green peppers, diced (I think that is a bit much for kiddos- I'll do one)
4 T. salsa
4 T. fat-free sour cream (find a good tasting one.  We like the one with the cow pattern on it.)
4 T. cheddar cheese, shredded (could be low fat as well)

Prepare rotini pasta according to its package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, brown ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.  drain the beef of any excess fat and return it to the skillet.

Add water, taco seasoning and bell pepper to cooked ground beef; simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

While the beef is simmering, combine salsa and sour cream in a small bowl.

Place a portion of pasta on two separate plates.  top with a portion of ground beef mixture.  Sprinkle each with half of the cheese and dollop of salsa-sour cream sauce.  Serve and enjoy (I'd put diced fresh tomatoes on top as well and maybe a few chopped green onions if you want it a titch more adult.)