Go Back
+ servings

Taco Pasta Bake

550kcal
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 45 minutes
A delicious fusion of taco flavors and pasta, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Servings 4 servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mexican

Ingredients

Pasta
  • 8 oz penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 cup onion finely diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper finely diced, any color
  • 1 cup black beans canned, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn canned or frozen
Sauce
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded

Method

Cook the Pasta
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Combine Ingredients
  1. 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
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake
  1. 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
  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Serving1servingCalories550kcalCarbohydrates50gProtein30gFat25gSaturated Fat10gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat5gCholesterol80mgSodium800mgPotassium600mgFiber8gSugar4gVitamin A15IUVitamin C25mgCalcium20mgIron15mg

Notes

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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!