Description
This taco pasta casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, black beans, corn, and zesty salsa all topped with melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it delivers an easy-to-prepare Tex-Mex inspired meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 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)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Ground Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water, then let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, salsa, and cooked pasta into the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly through the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado.
Notes
- Spice it up by adding jalapeños or using a spicier salsa.
- For dietary preferences, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- This dish is make-ahead friendly: assemble it up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Leftovers freeze well: cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
