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Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

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A quick and comforting taco pasta bake that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a melty cheese layer, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning mix (or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup beef broth or water. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. In a baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture until evenly coated.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pasta and meat.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. If cheese browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  10. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado slices if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. Toast taco seasoning in the beef mixture for better flavor. Drain excess grease to avoid sogginess. Add cheese layer halfway through baking for a golden crust. Let bake rest before serving for easier slicing. Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version. Use gluten-free pasta and taco seasoning for gluten-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, taco seasoning, casserole

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-cheesy-taco-pasta-bake-recipe-perfect-for-family-dinners/