Taco Pasta Casserole
If you love tacos and pasta, then you're in for a treat with this recipe for Taco Pasta Casserole! This hearty casserole dish combines tender pasta shells with savory ground meat, zesty salsa, and a creamy blend of cheese and spices. It's the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you're feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for a comforting dinner for your family.
Ingredients
- 1 jar 15.5 oz salsa
- 1 ½ cups water or milk
- 16 oz pasta shells
- Optional: ½ cup cream cheese sour cream, or half & half
- 2 lbs ground meat beef, chicken, and/or turkey
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 packets 1 oz each of taco seasoning (or ¼ cup if using bulk taco seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked pasta back to the pot with the ground meat.
- In a small bowl, mix the water or milk with the taco seasoning. Pour the mixture into the pot with the pasta and meat.
- Add the salsa and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Optional: stir in cream cheese, sour cream, or half & half for a creamier sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the pasta.
- Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
- Remove the pot from the oven and add your favorite toppings (such as chopped tomatoes, cilantro, or avocado).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any type of ground meat or a combination of meats for this recipe.
Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
