Looking for an easy dinner recipe that combines the comfort of baked pasta with the bold flavors of tacos? Look no further! Baked Taco Pasta is the perfect fusion dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors, this hearty meal checks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and fun. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s quick to make and endlessly customizable, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get ready to satisfy everyone at the dinner table with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious taco-meets-pasta bake:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz of pasta (penne or rotini work great)
- 1 lb of ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy depending on your taste)
- 1 cup of corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Toppings (Optional but Delicious!):
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Extra salsa
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring this cheesy, flavorful dish to life.
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef and Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion turns translucent, approximately 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the Mexican Flavors
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef mixture evenly. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and salsa. Stir in the corn and black beans and allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Make It Creamy
Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it’s melted and evenly incorporated. This adds an indulgent creaminess to offset the taco spices.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss everything together. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in the rich, savory sauce.
6. Layer and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for some extra texture.
Serve this cheesy taco pasta hot and watch it disappear in no time!
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about Baked Taco Pasta is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add heat by including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Switch up the protein by swapping ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Pack in veggies by tossing in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Go gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad, sautéed veggies, or garlic bread. crave something fresh? Serve it with pico de gallo, cool cucumber slices, or a zesty lime-dressed slaw.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Taco Pasta is everything you want in a meal. It’s cheesy, satisfying, packed with flavor, and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry ingredients like canned beans and corn. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this Mexican-inspired pasta dish will not disappoint.
Give it a try tonight and make dinnertime a fiesta!
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