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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining zesty taco-seasoned ground meat with tender pasta and a gooey cheese blend, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-dish meal is family-friendly, customizable, and easy to prepare, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken

Pasta

  • 12 oz uncooked medium pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, rotini)

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup black beans or corn (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack), divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to finish cooking in the oven while absorbing flavors.
  2. Cook the Meat and Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and any optional black beans or corn. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  4. Combine with Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the meat mixture and fold in most of the shredded cheese, reserving some for topping. Mix well so every bite is cheesy inside.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; undercook slightly to prevent mushy texture after baking.
  • Use fresh or high-quality taco seasoning for best flavor.
  • Layer cheese generously inside and on top for a gooey result.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better flavor distribution.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake, taco casserole, comfort food, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner, family meal, easy dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/cheesy-taco-pasta-bake/