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Loaded Taco Pasta Bake Recipe

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake is a hearty, flavorful casserole that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a zesty tomato salsa. Topped with melty Mexican blend cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of Tex-Mex flavors in a comforting baked pasta form, ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (about 3 cups) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on preference)

Cheese & Garnishes

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla blend)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped for garnish
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef & Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add Taco Seasoning & Mix: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat. Add the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Stir to combine all ingredients and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper accordingly.
  4. Combine Pasta & Meat Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the taco seasoned beef mixture.
  5. Assemble & Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer half of the pasta and meat mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool slightly for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the top. Serve with optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables.
  • Adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and adding jalapeños as desired.
  • If you prefer a creamier bake, mix in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese before assembling.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta bake, loaded taco casserole, Tex-Mex pasta bake, baked pasta with beef, Mexican pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/loaded-taco-pasta-bake-recipe/