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Savory Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining seasoned ground beef, cheesy pasta, and a crispy golden crust, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) elbow macaroni or penne pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce or passata
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or stock
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, diced avocado or guacamole, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef evenly. Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 cup beef broth. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat every noodle.
  8. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack or mozzarella evenly over the top.
  10. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and topping is golden and crispy.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or diced avocado if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Drain excess fat from beef for less greasiness. Stir sour cream or Greek yogurt in off heat to prevent curdling. If topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, taco seasoning, and breadcrumbs. For vegetarian, substitute beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, taco seasoning, baked pasta

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/savory-cheesy-taco-pasta-bake-recipe-with-crispy-golden-crust-made-easy/