Loaded Taco Pasta Bake: A Cozy Family Dinner Delight
Loaded Taco Pasta Bake combines comforting taco and pasta flavors into a delicious casserole perfect for family dinners.
Equipment
- - Oven
- - Skillet
- - Large pot
- - 9x13” baking dish
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 oz Short pasta (like rotini) Substitute with whole wheat for added fiber.
For the Meat Mixture
- 1.75 lb Ground beef Feel free to swap for any ground meat.
- 1.25 cup Onion, finely diced Use shallots for a milder flavor.
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced Garlic powder works in a pinch.
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes Drain excess liquid.
- 15 oz Tomato sauce Crushed tomatoes can be substituted.
- 2.5 tbsp Taco seasoning Homemade seasoning for tailored flavor.
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder Adjust to taste.
- 15 oz Black beans, drained Substitute with kidney beans if preferred.
- 4 oz Green chiles Replace with jalapeños for extra heat.
For the Cheese Topping
- 1.75 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Use gouda for a smokier result.
- 1.75 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded Opt for mild cheese for less intensity.
For Garnishing
- 5 Green onions, sliced Red onions can be used for a sharper taste.
- 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped Omit if not a fan.
- Sour cream Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the green onions and chop the cilantro.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then cook the pasta for just 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic, draining excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, chili powder, black beans, and green chiles. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, adding in 1 cup of cheese, and toss gently.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and sliced green onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Garnish with extra cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess! Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.