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Baked Taco Pasta


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Baked Taco Pasta is a cheesy, hearty, flavor-packed easy dinner that turns taco night into pure comfort food. This quick dinner idea combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, salsa, corn, beans, and melty cheese in one satisfying baked casserole, making it one of those family-friendly food ideas you will want for busy weeknights, easy dinner rotations, and simple make-ahead meals.


Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

1 cup salsa

1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 cup corn

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the penne in salted water until just al dente, then drain.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.

4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

6. Add the taco seasoning, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

7. Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.

8. Add the cooked pasta, salt, and black pepper, then toss until evenly coated.

9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

11. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then top with green onions and cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta before baking, or the final casserole can turn too soft instead of holding its shape nicely.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 545
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 78mg

Keywords: baked taco pasta, taco pasta casserole, easy dinner, quick dinner, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner, comfort food, pasta casserole, weeknight dinner, food ideas