Description
This taco pasta casserole features seasoned ground beef combined with pasta, black beans, corn, salsa, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
Seasonings & Mix-ins
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 1/2 cups salsa (or enchilada sauce)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1/2 cup of water, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, corn, salsa, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese to melt evenly into the mixture, enhancing the dish’s creaminess and flavor.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Add optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Spice it up with jalapeños or a spicier salsa according to your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- This dish is make-ahead friendly: assemble it up to 1 day before baking, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- It freezes well: tightly cover leftovers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
