Taco Pasta Casserole makes dinner quick and tasty. Five things from your kitchen turn into something everyone loves. Mix pasta and taco flavors, add cheese, and dinner's done. Make it your way with what you have. Works for family dinner or when friends come over.
Why Make This
Five basic things make a filling dinner. Perfect when you're busy but want good food. Change it up with what's in your kitchen. Add any toppings you like. Makes enough to feed eight people, and leftovers taste great the next day.
What You Need
- Ground Beef: Regular beef works best
- Pasta: Shell shape holds sauce good
- Salsa: Any kind you like
- Cheese: Regular shredded cheddar
- Taco Mix: One packet works
- Water: Plain tap water
- Extra stuff (if you want):
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
Steps to Make It
- Get Started:
- 1. Turn oven to 400° 2. Get out big pasta pot 3. Find 9x13 baking pan 4. Get large frying pan ready
- Cook Pasta First:
- 1. Fill big pot with water 2. Add 1 spoon salt 3. Turn heat high 4. When bubbling, add pasta 5. Stir so it won't stick 6. Cook 8-10 minutes 7. Drain in strainer
- Make Meat Same Time:
- 1. Put pan on high heat 2. Add 1 pound ground beef 3. Break up meat with spoon 4. Stir until brown 5. Drain off grease 6. Put back in pan
- Mix Everything:
- 1. Add cooked pasta to meat 2. Pour in 1 packet taco mix 3. Add 1 cup salsa 4. Pour 1/2 cup water 5. Stir until mixed 6. Taste to check salt
- Put in Pan:
- 1. Spray baking pan 2. Pour in pasta mix 3. Spread it even 4. Add cream cheese if using 5. Cover with shredded cheese 6. Make sure cheese covers all
- Bake It:
- 1. Put pan in hot oven 2. Set timer 20 minutes 3. Look for bubbly cheese 4. Take out when done 5. Let rest 5 minutes 6. Add toppings you like 7. Serve while hot
Why It's Good
This dish works great because it's simple but tastes like you worked hard. Pasta gets covered in taco flavor, meat makes it filling, and cheese melts into every bite. Change things up with what you have - different pasta shapes, other kinds of meat, more or less spice. Makes dinner easy but still tasty.
Pick Your Salsa
Your salsa choice changes how the whole thing tastes. Chunky salsa gives you bits of tomato and pepper in every bite. Smooth salsa makes more sauce. Like it hot? Use spicy salsa. Want mild? That works too. Fresh salsa from the store makes it taste bright, or try green salsa for something different. Pick what your family likes best.
Add Extra Stuff
Make it better with toppings. Cut up fresh tomatoes, green onions, or lettuce for crunch. Put out bowls of extra cheese, sour cream, or cut-up avocado. Let everyone pick their own toppings at the table. Makes dinner more fun and everyone gets it just how they like.
Cooking Tips
Save dishes by using one big pot that goes in the oven. Dutch ovens work great - cook meat first, then mix everything right in there. Try different things each time you make it. Ground turkey tastes good if you don't want beef. Switch up your cheese - try pepper jack for more spice. Different pasta shapes work fine too. Make it your own way.
Making Extra
This recipe feeds eight people easy. Having friends over? Double everything and use two pans. Making it just for family? Split it in two pans - eat one now, freeze one for later. Just wrap the extra pan good with foil before freezing. When you need a quick dinner, take it out, let it thaw, and heat it up. Dinner's ready with no work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different meat?
- Ground turkey works great for lighter version. Chicken makes it totally different but good. Even Italian sausage works - adds nice spice. If using turkey, add bit more seasoning since it's milder. Cook any meat till well browned first - makes better flavor.
- Need it spicier?
- Add diced jalapeños - fresh are hotter than canned. Use spicy salsa or hot Rotel instead of mild. Sprinkle in extra chili powder or cayenne with the taco seasoning. Some folks add hot sauce at the table. Start mild - can always heat it up!
- Can I make it ahead?
- Mix everything except cheese, keep in fridge up to 2 days. Add cheese and bake when ready. Or freeze whole thing up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking. Just cook pasta bit less if making ahead - keeps it from getting mushy.
- How about no meat?
- Mix black beans and corn instead of beef. Add extra beans for protein. Chopped peppers add nice crunch. Some folks use meat substitutes like Beyond Beef. Could even use mixed veggies - just drain them well. Season same way as meat version.
- Want it creamier?
- Stir in cream cheese while pasta's hot - about 4 oz block. Dollop sour cream on top before serving. Some use cream of chicken soup. Even Mexican crema works great. Just add creamy stuff at end so it doesn't break down.
Some More Ideas
Love easy dinners? Try chicken alfredo bake next time - just as simple. Or make one-pot beef stroganoff when you want something different but still quick.