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Cheesy taco pasta baked in a casserole dish with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Comforting baked pasta with a flavorful taco meat sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes undrained, canned
  • 15 oz tomato sauce canned
  • 1 oz taco seasoning packet
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni dry
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  2. Add chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Combine cooked pasta with the taco meat sauce in a large bowl. Stir in sour cream and 3 cups of cheddar cheese until well mixed.
  8. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale - Kitchen Equipment Recommendation

Notes

For spicier pasta, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Mexican blend. Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the sauce. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or lentils. For creamier pasta, stir in 1/2 cup milk or cream with the cheese before baking.
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