Imagine a dish that combines the zesty kick of tacos with the comforting embrace of cheesy pasta – this Easy Taco Pasta Bake is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero! Perfect for busy families and taco lovers alike, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dinner that's both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup corn, drained
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the packet of taco seasoning to the beef, along with 1 cup of salsa. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In the skillet with the beef mixture, add the drained 1/2 cup of black beans and 1/2 cup of corn. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the taco flavors.
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy layer once baked.
- Finally, bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped 1/4 cup of green onions on top for added flavor and garnish.
- Serve the Easy Taco Pasta Bake warm, and enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using fresh salsa or homemade taco seasoning instead of packaged mixes.
- Make this dish more customizable by setting up a "topping bar" with extras like sour cream, diced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier spin on the recipe.
- If you like it spicy, add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
- Leftover pasta bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
