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Taco Pasta Bake

A delicious fusion of taco flavors and pasta, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mexican
Keyword: casserole, pasta bake, taco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 oz penne pasta or any pasta shape you prefer
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 tsp olive oil for cooking the meat

Taco Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes canned, drained
  • 1 cup black beans canned, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn canned or frozen

Cheese and Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for mixing in
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Mixture

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Combine Pasta and Meat

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.

Assemble the Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.

Bake

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, topped with sour cream and garnished with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, or salsa.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 3mg