Description
This taco pasta casserole blends seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, black beans, corn, and salsa, all topped with melted cheese for an easy, flavorful Tex-Mex-inspired weeknight meal. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection and customizable with your favorite toppings, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
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 Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Meat and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, salsa, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix well so all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the mixture to add a creamy texture before baking.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flavor.
Notes
- Add a kick by including jalapeños or choosing a spicier salsa.
- For dietary preferences, substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
- This casserole can be made ahead up to one day early; simply cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- It freezes well—cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
