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One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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A quick and satisfying one-pan meal combining cheesy goodness with zesty taco flavors, featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta bake delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (uncooked)

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen corn or diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings & Other

  • 1 packet Mexican taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 ½ cups water or broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef or turkey, stirring and breaking it up until evenly browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Build Aromatics and Sauce: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat evenly for a bold flavor punch.
  3. Add Pasta and Moisture: Pour in the uncooked pasta along with diced tomatoes and 2 ½ cups of water or broth. Stir thoroughly to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in the Creamy Element: Mix in the sour cream or cream cheese to add richness and a smooth, velvety texture that complements the taco spices perfectly.
  6. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the pan again, and allow the cheese to melt fully, creating a gooey cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Use a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid for even cooking.
  • Taste and adjust salt and taco seasoning as you cook for balanced flavor.
  • Reserve a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Opt for freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Let the dish rest covered off heat for a few minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco pasta, one-pan pasta bake, taco pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/one-pan-cheesy-taco-pasta-bake/