Description
This Baked Taco Pasta combines the vibrant flavors of taco seasoning and salsa with tender pasta and melted Mexican cheese for a comforting and easy one-dish meal. Ground beef, tomatoes, and spices meld together before being baked to bubbly perfection, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Seasoning and Liquids
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until it is fully browned.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced small onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, diced tomatoes with their juices, salsa, and water. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet mixture and stir well to combine. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the skillet mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the skillet mixture.
- To make this dish gluten free, use gluten free pasta and ensure taco seasoning is gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a side of guacamole or sour cream works well to balance the flavors.
