Description
This Baked Taco Pasta is a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and classic pasta comfort food. Ground beef simmered with taco seasoning, tomatoes, and salsa combines with tender rotini pasta and melty Mexican blend cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for even texture.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to develop flavor. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, undrained diced tomatoes, salsa, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens and flavors meld.
- Combine with Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted throughout the pasta mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to add freshness and a slight crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more color and nutrition.
- Use a low-sodium salsa and taco seasoning to reduce the sodium content.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet with the seasoning.
