Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole
Introduction
Welcome! Today’s recipe marries a favorite comfort food, pasta, with spicy, savory tacos! The Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of fabulous flavors and heartwarming textures.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe combines the best of both worlds, pasta, and tacos. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on those busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying yet easy to whip up.
How to Make Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (half a package) of pasta (penne or rotini)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
– 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Next, cook the pasta as per the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
3. In the meantime, heat a large skillet over a medium flame and cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned, and the onions turn soft. Draining any extra fat is advisable.
4. Now it’s time to add and stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and black beans. Let the mixture simmer for approximately five minutes, ensuring everything combines nicely.
5. You’re almost there! Combine the meat mixture with the cooked pasta and one cup of cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Ensure it’s mixed well.
6. Next, pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top it with the leftover cheddar cheese.
7. Now place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it for around 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
8. Finally, garnish it with chopped cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole
Serve a plateful of this easy taco pasta casserole hot. This delicious blend of rich, savory flavors, is perfect and inviting for a comforting meal.
How to Store Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole
Keep the leftovers (if any) in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole
To enhance the flavor, try adding a variety of Mexican cheeses. Feel free to play with adding other ingredients like bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Variations
For a healthier take on this, consider using ground turkey or even a meat substitute like Impossible Burger. Also, a variety of pasta like whole wheat or gluten-free can be used.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any pasta you have on hand.
2. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own at home using a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
This Easy & Delicious Taco Pasta Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today!