Description
This Baked Taco Pasta recipe combines the comforting flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melted Mexican cheese, all baked to perfection in one dish. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional pasta that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in 1 ounce of taco seasoning, the undrained diced tomatoes, 1 cup of salsa, and 1/2 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, blending all the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Then mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, stirring until melted throughout the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer more spice.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
