Taco Pasta Casserole
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Taco Pasta Casserole
Description
Taco Pasta Casserole starts with browning ground beef and combining it with tomato sauce and taco seasoning for a spiced meat base. Cooked elbow macaroni is mixed with sour cream and part of the cheddar cheese, then combined with the seasoned beef mixture. Spreading this into a baking dish and topping with remaining shredded cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich layer of melted cheese when baked.
The casserole is baked uncovered until hot and bubbly with a browned cheese topping. Texture contrasts between tender pasta, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese enrich each bite. Finishing with chopped green onion or cilantro provides a fresh accent and a mild herbal brightness.
The recipe is convenient for make-ahead or freezing before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to serve a satisfying and flavorful comfort dish that blends taco flavors with pasta and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (you can sub spaghetti sauce if you like)
- 1-1/4 /4 oz. package taco seasoning mix
- 3 cups elbow macaroni or any short pasta, cooked
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
- 1 1/2 /2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1/4 /4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- green onion or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 13"x9" baking dish.
- Brown beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain. Stir in tomato sauce and seasoning mix. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Combine cooked macaroni, sour cream and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Add the beef mixture to the macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
- Spoon macaroni mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish.
Notes
- Prepare the casserole according to directions up to the baking step before freezing.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Bake covered for 25-35 minutes until hot when reheating from frozen.
- Garnish with green onions or cilantro just before serving for fresh flavor.
- The recipe serves well as a hearty family meal combining taco seasoning with cheesy pasta.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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