Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for topping)
- Diced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the black beans and corn to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Top with sour cream, green onions, and diced tomatoes, if desired. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or potlucks.
The combination of ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, beans, corn, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
### Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
The taco seasoning and salsa provide a zesty and flavorful base, while the black beans and corn add texture and nutrients.
The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a melty, gooey topping that’s simply irresistible.
### Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is that it’s easily customizable to your taste.
You can use different types of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni.
You can also adjust the amount of taco seasoning and salsa to your liking.
If you want to add some heat, you can use a spicier salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, green onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapenos.
### Perfect for Meal Prep
This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a great option for meal prep.
You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or pasta.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
Here are some tips to help you make the best Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake:
### Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian.
Al dente pasta will have a slightly firm texture and will hold its shape better when baked.
Overcooked pasta will become mushy and can make the bake soggy.
### Drain the Ground Beef Well
After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain off any excess grease.
This will help prevent the bake from becoming greasy.
You can also use a leaner ground beef to reduce the amount of grease.
### Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
If possible, grate your own cheese for the best results.
If you do use pre-shredded cheese, toss it with a little bit of cornstarch before adding it to the bake. This will help prevent it from clumping together.
### Adjust Baking Time as Needed
The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Keep an eye on the bake and adjust the baking time as needed.
The bake is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.
### Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
This will allow the cheese to set up slightly and make it easier to cut and serve.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
### Vegetarian Option
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef.
You can add extra black beans and corn or substitute with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat substitute.
You could also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
### Chicken Taco Pasta Bake
Instead of ground beef, use cooked, shredded chicken.
You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs.
Season the chicken with taco seasoning before adding it to the pasta bake.
### Spicy Taco Pasta Bake
Add some heat to your Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake by using a spicier salsa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can also add some chopped jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce.
### Creamy Taco Pasta Bake
For a creamier pasta bake, add a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup to the mixture.
You can also add a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
### Different Types of Cheese
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or mozzarella.
You can also add a layer of crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top of the bake after it comes out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes.
Here are some serving suggestions:
### Salad
Serve with a simple green salad or a Mexican-inspired salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
### Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic pairing with taco dishes.
Serve with a slice of cornbread or cornbread muffins.
### Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Serve with tortilla chips and extra salsa for dipping.
### Guacamole
Add a dollop of guacamole on top of each serving.
### Refried Beans
Serve with a side of refried beans.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
### Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
### Reheating Instructions
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pasta bake with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQ
### Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, and shells all work well.
### Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
### Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
### Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta bake before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking or reheating.
### Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.
