Pin This cheesy taco pasta bake is my answer to busy weeknights when everyone wants comfort food with bold flavor. With juicy ground beef, sweet corn, hearty pasta, and loads of melty cheese, it bakes in less than twenty minutes and never fails to disappear fast from the dinner table.
I first threw this together after a long day when I wanted tacos but only had pasta in the cupboard. Now my family requests it whenever the weather turns chilly or someone needs a pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- Short pasta such as rotini or penne: The spirals hold all the sauce and cheese Make sure you choose sturdy shapes that do not get mushy
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Go for fats for extra flavor but lean meats like turkey keep things lighter Choose good quality meat for best results
- Yellow onion: Finely diced for a sweet base Fresh crisp onions bring out the best flavors
- Red bell pepper: Adds color and mild sweetness Look for one with shiny skin and firm flesh
- Garlic: Freshly minced for extra depth Go for plump cloves to prevent bitterness
- Canned corn: Drain well and choose kernels that are plump and bright yellow
- Canned black beans: Rinse and drain them to keep the sauce from getting too starchy Use low-sodium beans if possible
- Taco seasoning: Look for a blend with plenty of cumin and mild chili A homemade blend lets you control the heat
- Kosher salt: Adds overall flavor Flaky salt works best
- Black pepper: Gives gentle heat and aroma Freshly ground is best
- Diced tomatoes: Go for high quality canned San Marzano style are ideal Drain for best texture
- Tomato sauce: Smooth base that brings it all together Go for a thick variety
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the best cheesiness Buy block cheese and shred yourself for smooth melting
- Sour cream: Adds creamy tang Full fat for extra richness
- Chopped fresh cilantro Sliced jalapeños Sliced green onions: For topping and extra freshness Use crisp herbs and carefully sliced veggies
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water Add a good pinch of salt and bring to a boil Cook the pasta until just al dente Drain and set aside so it does not overcook
- Brown the meat:
- While the pasta cooks heat a large oven safe skillet over medium high Add your ground meat Break it up as it cooks until it is evenly browned and no pink remains This usually takes about four minutes
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the diced onion red bell pepper and garlic directly to the browned meat Keep the heat at medium high Sauté for another two to three minutes until the veggies are starting to soften and become fragrant
- Layer in the spice and extras:
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning salt and pepper right on top Add the drained diced tomatoes tomato sauce corn and black beans Stir everything together Cook this mixture for two to three minutes so the flavors meld
- Add pasta and creaminess:
- Lower the heat Then stir in the cooked pasta along with the sour cream Mix until every bit of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce
- Top with cheese and broil:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the skillet Transfer the whole pan under the oven broiler Broil for two to three minutes Watch carefully The cheese should melt fully and bubble with little golden spots
- Garnish and serve:
- Out of the oven scatter on chopped cilantro sliced jalapeños or green onions if you like Serve piping hot and scoop generous portions onto plates
Pin My kids love scooping a big cheesy spoonful right out of the skillet Sometimes we make a double batch for leftovers so I can tuck away a few lunch servings for myself
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool then cover and place in the refrigerator It will keep well for three days For longer storage portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave Add a splash of water to keep it creamy
Ingredient Substitutions
Try ground chicken or even meatless crumbles in place of beef Extra beans work to make it vegetarian Pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese swap in well for cheddar For gluten free opt for chickpea or rice pasta
Serving Suggestions
Pair the pasta bake with a crisp green salad and some tortilla chips for crunch We also love piling on avocado slices or spooning on extra salsa at the table Warm up small flour tortillas and let everyone make their own taco bake wraps
Cultural and Historical Context
Taco pasta bakes capture classic American-Mexican fusion cuisine The dish borrows beloved elements of Tex Mex tacos and combines them with American comfort pasta casseroles It is a weeknight staple for many busy families in the US
Seasonal Adaptations
Add roasted zucchini or poblano peppers in late summer Use roasted sweet potato cubes in fall Try stirring in fresh corn off the cob when in season
Pin This is a forgiving weeknight dinner that welcomes substitutions and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or leftovers Enjoy each cheesy bite
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add extra black beans or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- → What kind of pasta works best?
Short pastas such as rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal as they hold the sauce and mix well with the ingredients.
- → How can I make this spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños, use a spicy taco seasoning, or substitute some of the cheddar cheese with Pepper Jack.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish up to the broiling step and refrigerate. Broil just before serving for a fresh, bubbly finish.
- → What are the best toppings?
Chopped cilantro, jalapeños, and sliced green onions add fresh flavor and color. Sour cream or hot sauce also work well.