Tex Mex Ziti

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with Tex Mex Ziti, a bold and comforting fusion of Italian pasta and Tex-Mex flavors! This hearty baked pasta dish combines tender ziti, seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, black beans, and a zesty tomato-based sauce infused with taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Creamy sour cream and a generous layer of melted Mexican blend cheese bring the whole casserole together, creating an irresistibly gooey and satisfying bite. Perfectly baked until bubbling and golden, it’s topped with fresh green onions and optional cilantro for a burst of freshness. Quick to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-pan dinner is a guaranteed family favorite. Whether you're hosting a casual weeknight dinner or craving something cheesy and bold, Tex Mex Ziti is your answer to a flavorful, easy meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1.5 cups tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine.

Step 6

Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the beef and vegetable mixture, 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, and the sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Pour the ziti mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2995.1 grams (2995.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4751

Total Fat 221.90g	284%
Saturated Fat 106.30g	532%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 636mg	212%
Sodium 8971mg	390%
Total Carbohydrate 494.70g	180%
Dietary Fiber 65.90g	235%
Total Sugars 61.90g
Protein 222.50g	445%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2365mg	182%
Iron 38mg	211%
Potassium 3660mg	78%

*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: 41.0%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 40.7%