If you love tacos and pasta, then this Taco Pasta Bake is your dream dinner! Combining the bold flavors of seasoned beef, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese with comforting pasta, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Quick, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s bound to be a regular in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on your preference)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Mixing spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Taco Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans (if using). Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Fold in the taco beef mixture until evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Tips
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos for added crunch.
- Serve with a dollop of guacamole, salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with more beans or plant-based protein.
This Taco Pasta Bake is everything you love about tacos and pasta combined in one dish. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight!
The BEST Taco Pasta Bake Recipe – Cheesy, Zesty, and Irresistible!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9x13-inch)
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or shells work best
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
- 1 cup salsa mild, medium, or hot based on your preference
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ½ cup black beans optional
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare the Taco Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans (if using). Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Fold in the taco beef mixture until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Assemble the Bake
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
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