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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole for Busy Families

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole for Busy Families
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This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a bold, family-friendly casserole that brings together everything we love about Tex-Mex flavors—seasoned beef, beans, corn, salsa, and melty cheese—wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. It’s hearty, colorful, and incredibly comforting, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. One pan, big flavor, zero stress.

Ingredients

  • 🍝 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

  • 🥩 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

  • 🌶️ 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)

  • 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 🧀 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese

  • 🥫 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

  • 🌿 Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (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 pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the Beef & Sauté Veggies 🥩🧅
    In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess grease if needed.

  3. Season & Simmer 🌶️
    Add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Combine with Pasta 🍝
    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until fully coated with the beef mixture.

  5. Assemble & Bake 🧀🔥
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Spread half the pasta mixture into the dish

    • Sprinkle with half the cheese

    • Add remaining pasta mixture

    • Top with remaining cheese

    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

  6. Garnish & Serve 🌿
    Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook pasta—it finishes cooking in the oven

  • Always drain excess grease for a cleaner, less oily bake

  • Layer cheese generously for maximum melt

  • Let rest before serving for easier slicing and better flavor

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/cheesy-taco-pasta-bake-the-ultimate-comfort-food-casserole-for-busy-families/