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
Scale
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.
