Description
Taco Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and savory taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights. With just five ingredients, this one-pot meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking comfort food without the fuss. The creamy texture from the cheese and optional cream cheese pairs beautifully with the seasoned ground beef and pasta, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and customizable. Top it off with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream or diced avocado for an extra flair. Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot. Enjoy a flavorful dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 16 oz pasta shells
- 15.5 oz salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 packets taco seasoning (or bulk equivalent)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over high heat and drain excess grease.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the browned meat in the pot or transfer to a casserole dish.
- Add taco seasoning, water, and salsa; mix well.
- Stir in shredded cheese along with cream cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool briefly before serving and top with your favorite taco toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg