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Easy Taco Pasta Casserole

Sweet Bacon & Pecans
Here is how to make an easy taco pasta casserole that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 1.25 oz. packet taco seasoning mix
  • 12 oz. pasta (such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 4 oz. can mild diced green chiles
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup beef stock or chicken stock
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until it is al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Use a spatula or meat masher to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, stirring frequently.
  • Add the taco seasoning blend, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt to the cooked meat and vegetables mixture. Stir to combine the ingredients.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned meat mixture, salsa, diced tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn kernels, and diced green chiles. Mix well to ensure everything is well combined.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pour ½ cup of beef stock or chicken stock evenly over the casserole.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the pasta mixture.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the foil and bake the casserole for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve taco pasta casserole, garnished with optional toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro, if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less diced green chiles. For a spicier dish, use hot diced green chiles or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dish.
  • Leftover taco pasta casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. Reheat casserole in the microwave or oven to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by an instant read food thermometer, before serving.
Keyword dinner recipes, ground beef recipes, ground turkey recipes, pasta recipes