The BEST Taco Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that combines two favorite meals: tacos and pasta! This hearty casserole is filled with seasoned ground beef, pasta, melted cheese, and all the taco flavors you love. Topped with a layer of gooey cheese and baked to perfection, it’s an easy, flavorful dinner that’s sure to be a hit at your next family meal or potluck!
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or more cheddar, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or salsa, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper (if using), and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. If using, add the frozen corn and cook for another 2 minutes.
Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and the beef mixture. Stir in cheddar cheese and Mexican blend cheese, then mix until evenly combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the top with crushed tortilla chips and an additional Mexican blend cheese.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Let the taco pasta bake cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or salsa on the side.
Recipe Tips
- Add More Spice: For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and add black beans or more vegetables (like zucchini or mushrooms) for a vegetarian version.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it when ready to serve.
What to Serve with Taco Pasta Bake
Serve with a side salad, Mexican rice, or a bowl of tortilla chips for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a margarita.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure it’s a similar size to elbow macaroni for even baking.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and substitute olive oil for butter in the recipe.
3. Can I freeze Taco Pasta Bake?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
The BEST Taco Pasta Bake combines all the best taco flavors in a cheesy, comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
The BEST Taco Past
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 8 oz package elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or more cheddar, if preferred
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn optional
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper (if using), and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. If using, add the frozen corn and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and the beef mixture. Stir in cheddar cheese and Mexican blend cheese, then mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the top with crushed tortilla chips and an additional Mexican blend cheese.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the taco pasta bake cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or salsa on the side.
Notes
Use Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and add black beans or more vegetables (like zucchini or mushrooms) for a vegetarian version.
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