Taco Pasta Casserole

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Taco Pasta Casserole! This hearty, family-friendly dish combines the bold, zesty flavors of classic tacos with the creamy, cheesy decadence of a baked pasta casserole. Featuring perfectly cooked penne or rotini, seasoned ground beef (or turkey), black beans, sweet corn, and tangy diced tomatoes, all blended with melty cream cheese and taco spices, this casserole is a fiesta in every bite. Topped with a golden layer of bubbly Mexican blend cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Easy to make with minimal prep time, this taco-inspired casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with a crisp side salad or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 15 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the taco seasoning, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and frozen corn. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, mixing until it is fully melted and incorporated.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the skillet mixture. Add 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese and mix well.

Step 8

Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2320.4 grams (2320.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4264

Total Fat 204.40g	262%
Saturated Fat 102.00g	510%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 688mg	229%
Sodium 9480mg	412%
Total Carbohydrate 409.60g	149%
Dietary Fiber 49.30g	176%
Total Sugars 39.50g
Protein 210.20g	420%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2118mg	163%
Iron 28mg	157%
Potassium 4641mg	99%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 37.9%