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Taco Pasta Casserole

Taco Pasta Casserole combines the wonderful flavors of tacos with pasta, topped with cheese for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
  5. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, cooked pasta, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the casserole.
  8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For variations, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or jalapeños for extra flavor. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers last in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen before baking for up to 3 months.