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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful fusion of seasoned taco meat, creamy melted cheese, and tender pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this easy-to-make dish combines bold taco spices with gooey cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, creating a hearty, simple, and crowd-pleasing meal that reheats beautifully and is customizable to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta

Seasoning and Sauce

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup diced green chilies or jalapeños

Other

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook and Season the Meat: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and optional diced green chilies or jalapeños, allowing the spices to infuse the meat thoroughly.
  2. Boil the Pasta: While the meat is cooking, boil the rotini or elbow pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Mix Sauce and Combine: To the skillet with the cooked meat, add tomato sauce or salsa and stir to combine, creating a savory, moist base. Then, add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and mix thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
  4. Layer with Cheese and Bake: Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a baking dish. Generously top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, distributing evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving, ensuring it sets enough for easy slicing and hearty servings packed with cheesy taco goodness.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Distribute cheese evenly for a uniform, gooey melt on top and inside.
  • Use fresh or homemade taco seasoning for enhanced flavor.
  • Allow the bake to rest briefly before slicing to hold its shape well.
  • Double the recipe to have leftovers that freeze and reheat well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake, taco pasta bake, easy dinner recipe, cheesy pasta bake, taco seasoning, baked pasta, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cheesy-taco-pasta-bake/