Tex Mex Pasta Casserole

Get ready for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner with this Tex Mex Pasta Casserole—a perfect fusion of Italian comfort food and zesty Tex-Mex flavors. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a creamy, seasoned sauce made with hearty ground beef, black beans, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn, all enhanced by bold taco spices. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this baked casserole delivers a gooey, cheesy finish in every bite. Quick to prep and easy to bake, it's your go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve this satisfying dish fresh from the oven, garnished with crisp green onions, and watch it disappear from plates. Perfect for families, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this Tex Mex Pasta Casserole is a guaranteed dinner win!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, canned (with juices)
• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 6

Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your Tex Mex Pasta Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2575.1 grams (2575.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4794

Total Fat 249.60g	320%
Saturated Fat 127.30g	637%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 769mg	256%
Sodium 9457mg	411%
Total Carbohydrate 419.10g	152%
Dietary Fiber 54.70g	195%
Total Sugars 34.20g
Protein 247.30g	495%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 2864mg	220%
Iron 32mg	176%
Potassium 4593mg	98%

*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: 45.7%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 34.1%