Sombrero Pasta Salad

I love a good pasta salad! Who doesn't, right? Anyway, I found the recipe for this one while clicking through all the goodies on Pinterest, and thought it would be the perfect dish to share as I make my way back into blogging.
At the time I decided to take a break, I had no idea I'd be away this long. I have really missed sharing recipes! (Feels GOOD to be back!)

This dish is every thing that it's description said it would be; slightly spicy, very easy to prepare, and a COMPLETE winner!
It does have Catalina dressing in it, and I know a lot of people aren't fans of bottled dressings. Don't let that scare you away from this dish! You can click right HERE to learn how to make your own.


Ingredients:
1 package (16 oz) spiral pasta
1 LB ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp chili powder
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cans sliced black olives (2-1/4 oz each), drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 to 2 cups Catalina dressing (start with just 1 cup, toss, and see if you'd like more)

Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions on package. Meanwhile, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's no longer pink; drain the fat. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, cumin, onion powder, and chili powder; stir to combine.

Rinse pasta in cold water and drain; place in a large bowl. Add your seasoned beef, bell pepper, onion, tomato, olives, and cheddar cheese; toss to combine. Add in Catalina dressing and toss once again. Let chill for about 30 minutes before serving. *If chilling for more than half hour, you may want to add a few splashes of Catalina dressing before serving.

Enjoy!

Serves 10
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home