Everybody loves a good taco pasta casserole recipe, and this is one of our favorite recipes to make when we don’t have any extra ingredients on hand. This recipe features just five ingredients and requires only 15 minutes of prep time so it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Calories: 435kcal
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef, chicken, and/or turkey
16 oz pasta shells
15.5 oz salsa
1/2 cup Mexican blend cheese or shredded cheddar
2 packets (1oz) taco seasoning (or 1/4 cup if you use bulk taco seasoning).
1 1/2 cups water, or milk
Optional: You can add 1/2 cup cream cheese, cream cheese, or half-and-half to make a creamier sauce
Instructions:
Follow the package instructions to cook pasta. Drain and set aside. A dutch oven is a great option to make this dish in one pot.
Brown the meat in a dutch oven, or cast iron skillet. Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess fat.
Add the cooked pasta to the drained beef. You can also use a cast iron skillet or a dutch oven to cook the pasta. Layer the meat.
The seasoning packet should be sprinkled over the meat. Finally, pour water on top. Next add salsa.
Mix everything together and then add the shredded cheese.
Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until cheese melts and sauce bubbles.
You can add any toppings to taco-style dishes. For more ideas, see the post above!
