
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 thatโll have everyone asking for seconds! ๐๐ฅ
๐ 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
- ยฝ cup tomato sauce
- ยฝ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ teaspoon salt & black pepper
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
๐ฅ Instructions
1๏ธโฃ Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2๏ธโฃ 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.
3๏ธโฃ Season & mix: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4๏ธโฃ Make it creamy: Remove from heat and mix in sour cream.
5๏ธโฃ Assemble the bake: Combine the taco beef mixture with the cooked pasta and half of the cheese. Pour into a greased baking dish.
6๏ธโฃ Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
7๏ธโฃ Serve & enjoy! Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeรฑos, or crushed tortilla chips!
๐ฅ Pro Tips
โ๏ธ Want extra crunch? Add a layer of crushed nacho chips before baking!
โ๏ธ Make it a one-pot meal by using an oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish.
โ๏ธ Spice it up! Add diced jalapeรฑos or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture!
๐ฏ Why Youโll Love This Recipe
โ๏ธ Bold taco flavors โ Everything you love in a taco, baked into pasta!
โ๏ธ Super cheesy โ A gooey, melty cheese topping makes it irresistible!
โ๏ธ Quick & easy โ On the table in under an hour!
โ๏ธ Family-friendly โ Perfect for taco AND pasta lovers!
This Taco Pasta Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner, packed with spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness! โค๏ธ Try it and let me know how you love it! ๐ฎโจ
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