Looking for a family friendly dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake combines the best of both worlds tacos and pasta. Tender pasta is smothered in a rich, seasoned beef sauce, then baked to perfection with a gooey layer of melted cheese. It’s an effortless weeknight meal that’s comforting, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and watch it disappear in no time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
1Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than al dente, drain, and set aside.
2Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
3Combine & Assemble: Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
Mix the meat sauce with cooked pasta and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4Bake & Serve: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Garnish with cilantro and crushed tortilla chips, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Make It Spicy; Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use Different Cheese; Try Pepper Jack or Mexican blend cheese for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option; Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles.
- Make Ahead; Assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready!
