Loaded Taco Pasta Bake: Cheesy Dinner Delight for Everyone!
Loaded Taco Pasta Bake is a comforting and cheesy casserole, perfect for family dinners and customizable to everyone's taste.
Equipment
- Oven
- - 9x13" baking dish
- - Large pot
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- - Knife
- - Colander
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean beef or turkey makes a lighter option.
- 16 oz Short Pasta Penne or rigatoni works best.
- 1.25 cups Onion Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
- 2 tbsp Garlic Opt for minced garlic for convenience.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes Hunt's gives a thicker consistency.
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce Low-sodium options are available.
- 2.5 tbsp Taco Seasoning Feel free to use a homemade mix.
- 0.5 tsp Chili Powder Adjust according to your spice preference.
- 15 oz Black Beans Can be replaced with kidney beans if desired.
- 4 oz Green Chiles Substitute with jalapeños for extra spiciness.
- 1.75 cups Monterey Jack Cheese Consider pepper jack for a zesty flair.
- 1.75 cups Cheddar Cheese Use Mexican blend cheese for variety.
For the Garnish
- 5 Green Onions Swap for chives if you prefer.
- 0.25 cup Cilantro Adds a burst of freshness.
- Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a great healthy swap.
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish. Dice the onion and garlic, chop the green onions and cilantro, and shred your cheeses for easy assembly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the onion and garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, chili powder, black beans, and green chiles. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the drained pasta and 1 cup of cheese to the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top it with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with green onions. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
This dish can be customized by swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken, and adding more veggies like bell peppers or corn.