Description
This Taco Pasta Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground meat, pasta shells, salsa, and cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights, bringing together the best of Tex-Mex flavors with classic pasta for a hearty casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 2 lbs ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
Pasta
- 16 oz pasta shells
Seasonings and Sauces
- 15.5 oz salsa
- 2 packets taco seasoning (or bulk equivalent)
- 1 1/2 cups water
Dairy
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Meat: In a large Dutch oven over high heat, brown the ground meat thoroughly and drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Combine Pasta and Meat: Mix the cooked pasta with the browned meat directly in the Dutch oven or transfer the mixture to a casserole dish for baking.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and salsa, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution.
- Incorporate Cheese and Cream: Blend in the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese along with the cream cheese or sour cream to add creaminess and richness.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Use your favorite salsa type—mild, medium, or hot—to adjust the spice level.
- Adding sour cream instead of cream cheese will give a tangier flavor and slightly different texture.
- Serve with fresh taco toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, or green onions.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use a casserole dish if you don’t have a Dutch oven suitable for oven use.
