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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining tender pasta, savory seasoned ground meat, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy families and customizable for various dietary preferences, it blends the comforting texture of a pasta casserole with bold, zesty taco flavors for a satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or penne pasta

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (can substitute plant-based crumbles)

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1–2 jalapeños or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling your choice of pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the filling to ensure it holds its shape after baking.
  2. Brown the meat and aromatics: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining.
  3. Add taco seasoning and sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water or broth to evenly coat the meat. Then pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Combine pasta and meat sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta into a large bowl and fold in the meat sauce until everything is coated. Stir in optional veggies like bell peppers or jalapeños if using.
  5. Assemble and bake: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; cook al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.
  • Toast taco seasoning briefly in the pan to unlock deeper flavor before adding liquids.
  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs before baking.
  • Allow the bake to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole, quick weeknight dinner, taco seasoning, ground beef recipe, family-friendly, easy bake, southwestern casserole

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