Taco Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion that brings together the zesty flavors of tacos and the hearty satisfaction of pasta.
This dish is a perfect blend of seasoned ground meat, tender pasta shells, and gooey melted cheese, all baked into a bubbly casserole.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.
Customizable and bursting with flavor, Taco Pasta Casserole is a delicious way to bring a touch of Tex-Mex flair to your table!
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground meat (beef, chicken and/or turkey) *See post for other ideas
1 (16oz) box pasta shells
1 (15.5oz) jar salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 packet of taco seasoning + 1 cup water or milk
Optional: Add 1/2 cup cream cheese, sour cream, or half and half for a creamier sauce
PREPARATION:
1.Cook pasta according to package, drain and set aside. To make this using just one pot, use a dutch oven!
2.Using your dutch oven or a cast iron skillet, brown meat. When done, drain any fat.
3.Add your cooked pasta to the drained meat. (If you don’t have a dutch oven or cast iron skillet, you can move everything to a casserole dish.) Then layer with meat.
4.Next sprinkle the seasoning packet over the meat then pour water over top. Next add salsa.
5.Give everything a stir to mix ingredients together then top with shredded cheese.
6.Bake in the oven at 400˚ for about 18-22 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
7.Serve with any taco-style toppings you’d like. See above post for ideas!
Taco Pasta Casserole is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
Swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Enhance the creaminess by mixing in sour cream, cream cheese, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Spice lovers can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat, while those craving more veggies can incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
For added crunch, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
Always adjust the taco seasoning and salsa to suit your spice preference, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh finish.
To store your Taco Pasta Casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
When reheating, you can use the microwave or oven. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To prevent dryness, cover the casserole with foil and add a splash of water or extra salsa before reheating in the oven.
Taco Pasta Casserole is a hearty dish that combines the protein-packed benefits of ground meat with the energy-boosting carbohydrates of pasta.
Depending on the ingredients used, one serving can provide approximately 400–500 calories.
It offers a good source of protein, calcium from the cheese, and essential vitamins and fiber from the salsa.
For a lighter version, consider using lean ground meat, whole-grain pasta, and reduced-fat cheese.
Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can boost the nutritional content while maintaining its delicious flavor.