Description
This baked taco pasta recipe is a cheesy, comforting casserole that blends taco-seasoned beef, salsa, and pasta into one irresistible dinner. Perfect for family meals or make-ahead weeknight favorites, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
4 oz cream cheese
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
7. Mix cooked pasta into the skillet, coating evenly.
8. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor.
Use medium shells, rotini, or penne to hold the sauce well.
Great for freezing—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg