Description
Baked Taco Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines hearty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, tender pasta, and melted Mexican cheese all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner, offering a delicious twist on traditional pasta with a southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Then drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add seasoning and simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, undrained diced tomatoes, salsa, and water. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to evenly combine. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
