Loaded Taco Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, this casserole satisfies cravings with every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced green onions
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat evenly. Add black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn kernels. Stir together and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet or a large bowl. Stir in salsa and sour cream until well blended.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and sprinkle diced green onions and chopped cilantro over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or extra beans.
• Add a diced jalapeño for a spicier kick.
• Use a blend of your favorite cheeses for more depth in flavor.
• To save time, prepare the pasta and beef mixture the day before and bake when ready to serve.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Note that cheese may firm up slightly after refrigeration but will melt again when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or shells. Just adjust cooking times if necessary to keep them al dente.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your taco seasoning and other canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 50 reviews

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole combining classic taco ingredients with pasta for a comforting family-friendly meal. Tender penne pasta is mixed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn, then baked under a generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Finished with fresh green onions and cilantro, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness that everyone will enjoy.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)

Dairy and Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced green onions
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the taco seasoning and vegetables: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir well to coat evenly. Add rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn kernels. Stir to combine and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Combine the pasta mixture: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In the skillet or a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir in salsa and sour cream until everything is well blended.
5. Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
7. Add fresh toppings and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle diced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your loaded taco pasta bake!

Notes

• For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add jalapeños.
• Black beans can be swapped for pinto beans or kidney beans as preferred.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or skip it entirely and increase beans.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.

Keywords: taco pasta bake, loaded pasta casserole, cheesy taco pasta, ground beef pasta bake, easy family meals