If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting heartiness of pasta, then this Baked Taco Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty Mexican cheese, and zesty salsa, it transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s a fantastic way to bring families together around the dinner table, and the combination of textures and vibrant flavors guarantees everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Baked Taco Pasta Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients that each play a unique role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. From the al dente pasta to the rich blend of Mexican cheese, every component is a flavor hero.
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta: These shapes capture the sauce perfectly, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that carries the taco seasoning beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that balances the richness of the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle punch of flavor enhancing the overall dish.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet: Infuses the mixture with classic taco spices for that familiar Southwestern flair.
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds juiciness and a burst of tangy freshness.
- 1 cup salsa: Provides moisture, spice, and that signature salsa zing.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps the sauce come together with the right consistency.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided: Creates that creamy, gooey topping that makes this baked pasta irresistible.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: A fresh, crunchy garnish that adds color and a mild sharpness.
How to Make Baked Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your pasta won’t stick and helps deliver a beautifully baked texture. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Draining it well at this stage is crucial so the pasta holds onto the sauce instead of becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink and starts releasing delicious meaty juices. Then stir in your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, followed by minced garlic sautéed for just 30 seconds to keep its flavor punchy without burning. Be sure to drain any excess grease here to keep the dish from getting too oily.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Now the fun part begins: add your taco seasoning packet, diced tomatoes with their juices, salsa, and water right into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about five minutes. This simmering reduces the liquid slightly, blending all those flavors into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese
Once your sauce is perfectly seasoned and thickened, toss in the cooked pasta and stir it all together. Then mix in one and a half cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese, allowing it to melt through the warm mixture creating creamy pockets of cheesy goodness distributed evenly throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your cheesy taco pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining half cup of shredded cheese sprinkled evenly on top, then pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that signals it’s ready to come out.
Step 6: Garnish and Rest
Once baked, let your dish rest for five minutes to set up and cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top to add a fresh, vibrant finish that cuts through the richness and adds a burst of color to the final presentation.
How to Serve Baked Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped green onions add a great touch, other garnishes like sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish even further. These additions bring fresh brightness or heat to balance the hearty richness of this baked pasta.
Side Dishes
This Baked Taco Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn (elote). Adding something fresh or slightly acidic alongside helps cut through the indulgence and rounds out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to make it look extra special when hosting friends or family. You can even top each portion with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for an added burst of flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Taco Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It tastes even better as the flavors have more time to meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Simply cool completely and transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For extra gooeyness, sprinkle a bit of cheese on top and broil it for a few minutes until bubbly. This will revive the fresh-baked appeal every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative in this baked taco pasta and still soaks up the taco seasoning nicely, keeping the dish flavorful and hearty.
What if I don’t have rotini or penne pasta?
Feel free to swap in any short pasta like macaroni, shells, or farfalle. These shapes hold sauce well and maintain the dish’s texture without any trouble.
Is the taco seasoning packet necessary?
While it adds convenience and authentic flavor, you can create your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer homemade or need to avoid preservatives.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or beans like black beans for a satisfying vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.
How spicy is this Baked Taco Pasta Recipe?
The spice level depends mostly on your salsa and taco seasoning choice. If you want to tone it down, use mild salsa and seasoning, or amp up the heat with a spicy salsa or extra chili powder.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Taco Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—full of bold, comforting flavors and easy to throw together after a busy day. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears!
Print
Baked Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Baked Taco Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a cheesy Mexican blend baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, it features a savory mix of taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, salsa, and melted cheese, baked in the oven for a deliciously bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, diced tomatoes with their juices, salsa, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir to evenly coat it with the meat sauce. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese until it melts into the mixture.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne pasta as these shapes hold the sauce well.
- Drain excess grease after cooking beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust the salsa level to control spice and moisture.
- Prepare ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or avocado slices for additional creaminess.
