The BEST Taco Pasta Bake – Cheesy, Spicy & Addictive! 🌮🧀

This Taco Pasta Bake is the perfect fusion of tacos and pasta, loaded with seasoned beef, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese! The bold flavors of a classic taco meet comforting baked pasta for a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍🔥

🛒 Ingredients

• 12 oz cavatappi pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Add onion & garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Season & mix: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Make it creamy: Remove from heat and mix in sour cream.
5️⃣ Assemble the bake: Combine the taco beef mixture with the cooked pasta and half of the cheese. Pour into a greased baking dish.
6️⃣ Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
7️⃣ Serve & enjoy! Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips!

🔥 Pro Tips

✔️ Want extra crunch? Add a layer of crushed nacho chips before baking!
✔️ Make it a one-pot meal by using an oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish.
✔️ Spice it up! Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture!

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🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Bold taco flavors – Everything you love in a taco, baked into pasta!
✔️ Super cheesy – A gooey, melty cheese topping makes it irresistible!
✔️ Quick & easy – On the table in under an hour!
✔️ Family-friendly – Perfect for taco AND pasta lovers!

This Taco Pasta Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner, packed with spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness! ❤️ Try it and let me know how you love it! 🌮✨