Description
This Baked Taco Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional tacos with hearty pasta. Ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and a zesty taco seasoning is mixed with cooked rotini pasta, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe serves 6 and is easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Onions 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 to release its aroma. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, diced tomatoes with their juices, salsa, and water. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and gently stir to combine everything. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese until it melts into the mixture.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked pasta to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need the dish to be gluten-free.
- Adding a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños will increase the heat level for spice lovers.
- The leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.
- For a vegetarian option, replace beef with plant-based meat substitutes or cooked beans.
