Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake. This hearty and comforting dish combines tender ground meat, flavorful taco seasoning, tangy salsa, and creamy melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this cheesy and satisfying pasta bake.
In our household, the Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake has become a go-to recipe that never fails to impress. It all started when my husband took his first bite and couldn’t stop raving about the amazing blend of flavors. From that moment on, it quickly became a regular request at our dinner table. The combination of seasoned meat, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps us coming back for more. It has become a cherished recipe that brings smiles and satisfaction to our small family.
A delicious taco pasta casserole served on a plate.
Why This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake Will Become Your New Favorite ?
- This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made with ground beef, chicken, turkey, or other meat alternatives.
- The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese creates a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- The one-pot preparation makes it a convenient and time-saving option for busy days.
- The option to add cream cheese, sour cream, or half and half allows you to customize the creaminess of the sauce.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a perfect choice for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground meat (beef, chicken, and/or turkey)
- 16 ounces pasta shells
- 15.5 ounces salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 packets (1 ounce each) taco seasoning (or 1/4 cup if using bulk taco seasoning)
- 1 1/2 cups water or milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese, sour cream, or half and half for a creamier sauce
How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake ?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using a dutch oven, you can cook the pasta in it to make it a one-pot meal.
In a dutch oven or cast iron skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Add the cooked pasta to the drained meat in the dutch oven or transfer everything to a casserole dish if needed.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and pour water or milk over the mixture. Add the salsa.
Give everything a good stir to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Top with the shredded cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve the Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake with your favorite taco-style toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat or meat alternatives to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add cream cheese, sour cream, or half and half to enhance the richness.
- Customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake. This delicious one-pot meal brings together the flavors of seasoned meat, zesty salsa, and melty cheese, creating a dish that will satisfy your cravings and please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cheesy and flavorful feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
A flavorful and cheesy taco pasta bake in a baking dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the ground meat with plant-based alternatives, such as vegetarian ground “meat” or crumbled tofu. Use vegan cheese and ensure the taco seasoning and salsa are suitable for your dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake in advance. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Certainly! Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. Label and date the containers, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground meat beef, chicken, and/or turkey
- 16 ounces pasta shells
- 15.5 ounces salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 packets 1 ounce each taco seasoning (or 1/4 cup if using bulk taco seasoning)
- 1 1/2 cups water or milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese sour cream, or half and half for a creamier sauce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using a dutch oven, you can cook the pasta in it to make it a one-pot meal.
- In a dutch oven or cast iron skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the drained meat in the dutch oven or transfer everything to a casserole dish if needed.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and pour water or milk over the mixture. Add the salsa.
- Give everything a good stir to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve the Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake with your favorite taco-style toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, you can add cream cheese, sour cream, or half and half to enhance the richness.
Customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
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