A delicious fusion of taco flavors and pasta, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Servings 4servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mexican
Ingredients
Pasta
8ozpenne pastaor any pasta of your choice
Meat and Vegetables
1lbground beefor ground turkey for a lighter option
1cuponionfinely diced
1cupbell pepperfinely diced, any color
1cupblack beanscanned, drained and rinsed
1cupcorncanned or frozen
Sauce
1packettaco seasoningor homemade taco seasoning
1cupsalsayour favorite brand or homemade
1cupsour creamor Greek yogurt for a healthier option
Cheese Topping
1cupcheddar cheeseshredded
1cupmonterey jack cheeseshredded
Method
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Add the sour cream and mix until everything is well combined.
Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
This dish can be customized with your favorite toppings such as avocado, jalapeños, or extra cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.