If you love easy weeknight dinners that pack a punch of flavor, get ready to fall head over heels for this Baked Taco Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of zesty taco seasonings, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese baked to bubbly perfection—comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo meal, this dish blends familiar ingredients in a way that feels fresh, fun, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this Baked Taco Pasta Recipe to life. Each component plays a special role, from the savory ground beef to the tangy salsa, creating a colorful and mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape—rotini holds sauce beautifully, while penne adds a hearty chew.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor that forms the dish’s satisfying base.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the taco mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A flavor booster that infuses the dish with warmth and aroma.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet: The star spice blend that brings authentic taco zest to every bite.
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juiciness and a fresh, vibrant note.
- 1 cup salsa: Adds a tangy kick and colorful flair.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency for moist pasta.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided: Melts into creamy goodness that blankets the pasta in cheesy delight.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens each serving.
How to Make Baked Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures the final baked pasta doesn’t stick, making for an easy cleanup and crispy edges that everyone loves.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente following the package instructions. Draining it at just the right time means your pasta will stay tender after baking and soak up all those delicious taco flavors without getting mushy.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. This is the flavor foundation for your dish, so take your time to let it develop a rich, hearty taste.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds; this quick cooking keeps the garlic fragrant without burning. Don’t forget to drain excess grease to keep things balanced.
Step 5: Build the Taco-Flavored Sauce
Stir in the taco seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes, salsa, and water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce is what ties the whole dish together, infusing every bite with that familiar, zesty taco goodness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and mix until everything is well incorporated. Then, stir in one and a half cups of the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the warm mixture for a luscious texture that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the cheesy taco pasta to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheese evenly on top to create a beautiful golden crust once baked. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and inviting.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once you pull the dish from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the cheese to firm up just enough for neat servings. Finish by sprinkling the chopped green onions on top—they add a fresh crunch and vibrant pop of color.
How to Serve Baked Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions are a classic topping, feel free to get creative with garnishes. Add dollops of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to elevate the dish with creaminess and herbal brightness that complement the taco spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pairing this baked taco pasta with a refreshing side salad or some crisp tortilla chips creates a well-rounded meal. A simple corn salad or a bowl of black beans also makes a lovely accompaniment that echoes the Tex-Mex vibes and keeps dinner exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked taco pasta in mini cast iron skillets, or portion it into individual ramekins for a festive family dinner or potluck. You can also sprinkle extra cheese and lightly broil the top for a perfectly browned finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked taco pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a splash of water or salsa before reheating helps keep the pasta moist and melty. For extra crispiness, a quick broil at the end brings back that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and works well in this recipe, offering a lighter but still flavorful alternative.
What type of cheese works best for the Baked Taco Pasta Recipe?
A Mexican blend cheese is ideal since it melts beautifully and offers a nice balance of sharp and mild flavors, but cheddar or Monterey Jack are tasty substitutes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or a medley of sautéed vegetables and beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta?
Definitely. Just make sure to cook the gluten-free pasta according to its package instructions, as cooking times can vary. It’s an easy swap that keeps this dish accessible.
How spicy is the Baked Taco Pasta Recipe?
The heat level depends largely on your salsa and taco seasoning choice. If you like it mild, pick a mild salsa; for more kick, go for medium or hot varieties. You can always adjust to suit your tastes!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that brings joy to the table without fuss. This Baked Taco Pasta Recipe is one of those meals you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend dinner. Grab your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and get ready for a tasty celebration of familiar flavors done in a totally delicious new way.
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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
Baked Taco Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy Mexican blend, baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
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
Sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
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 and help with even baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until it is fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add 1 small diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in 1 ounce taco seasoning, 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 cup salsa, and 1/2 cup water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir everything together. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese until it melts evenly into the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions before serving to add a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne pasta for best texture and sauce coating.
- Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the taco seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
