Taco Pasta Casserole

Taco Pasta Casserole Recipe – get ready to experience a flavor-packed fiesta! This Tex-Mex twist on a classic comfort food brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and a blend of Mexican spices, all topped with a generous layer of ooey-gooey cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for a customizable and delicious meal.

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Taco Mac & Cheese

This Taco Pasta Casserole is a new family favorite! Brace yourself for a fiesta of flavors in every bite! Imagine tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and a medley of Mexican spices, all layered with ooey-gooey cheese. This casserole is a Tex-Mex twist on classic comfort food, bringing together the best of both worlds. The combination of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors is simply irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating your family to a delicious meal, this taco pasta recipe is a guaranteed winner. Top it with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro, to take it to the next level.

How to Make Taco Pasta Casserole

This casserole is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add elbow macaroni to the pot and cook according to package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add Velveeta cheese to the skillet and cook over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, stir together the beef mixture, black beans, corn, Alfredo sauce, shredded cheese, and cooked pasta. Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly. Top the casserole with more shredded cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for lower calories.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
• Variations/Additions:
  • onion
  • bell peppers
  • mushrooms
  • black olives
• You can use any cheese that you enjoy in this dish. Shredded cheddar cheese, Pepper jack, Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican cheese blend are all delicious.
• Can I make Taco Pasta Casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole and cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Store the casserole in the fridge overnight.
  • When ready to bake, bring the dish to room temperature and bake as directed.
• Can I freeze Taco Pasta? Yes! Prepare the casserole and cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to eat, thaw and bake as directed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in the microwave.

What to Serve with Taco Pasta Bake

When it comes to serving this casserole, the possibilities are endless. For a complete Tex-Mex feast, serve it with our Mexican Chopped Salad with Homemade Mexican Ranch Dressing. You can also add a side of tortilla chips and homemade guacamole or salsa for an extra kick of flavor and crunch. And let’s not forget about the toppings! Offer a variety of options like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream, so everyone can customize their casserole to their liking. So, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or enjoying a cozy family meal, this is sure to earn a spot in your dinner rotation.

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