Taco Mac and Cheese Pasta Bake
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
641 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Taco Mac and Cheese Pasta Bake
Description
The Taco Mac and Cheese Pasta Bake features elbow macaroni cooked until just tender and combined with a savory mixture of ground beef seasoned with taco spices, sautéed garlic and onion, black beans, and crushed tomatoes. The addition of beans and tomato adds texture and moisture alongside the meat's richness. Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is stirred in and sprinkled on top, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Baked in a roomy 9x13-inch dish, this casserole develops a cheesy crust while the interior remains creamy and well combined. The flavors are a blend of traditional taco seasoning with classic mac and cheese comfort. Chopped cilantro or parsley adds a fresh note when sprinkled on top before serving.
The recipe notes suggest an alternate method of mixing pasta, beef mixture, and half the cheese in the original pot before transferring to the baking dish, which streamlines assembly and ensures even coating. Serving warm, this dish makes a filling meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed, canned
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
- 2 ½ cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- cilantro chopped, for garnish, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook for 3 minutes stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Add beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until browned. Add the taco seasoning and mix to coat the beef.
- Add the black beans and crushed tomato to the skillet. Mix and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish. Stir in the beef mixture and half of the cheese until evenly combined. Then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish before serving warm.
Notes
- Instead of stirring in the beef mixture and cheese in the baking dish, you can mix them in the pasta pot for easier assembly and then transfer to bake.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving for a fresh finish.
- Drain and rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor integration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 641 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 641kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 68g | 23% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1193mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 936mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1093IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 434mg | 43% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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