Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake for a Quick Family Meal

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the heartiness of pasta. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for families, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With layers of cheesy goodness, seasoned ground beef, and tender pasta, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. It’s a one-dish meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s customizable and can be made in advance!

• Quick and easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will crave it.
• One-dish wonder: Less cleanup for you!
• Customizable: Make it your own with toppings and spices.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the taco seasoning and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and the green onions. Mix until well combined.
6. Fold the seasoned ground beef mixture into the pasta mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional green onions before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or onions to the ground beef while it cooks.
• If you want a little heat, use spicy taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños to the mixture.
• Letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Easy Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.

What to Serve With It

• A fresh green salad with a zesty dressing.
• Tortilla chips and salsa for dipping.
• Extra sour cream or guacamole on the side.
• Steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Recipe Card