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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines bold taco seasoning, creamy melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. This family-friendly and quick-to-prepare meal is great for weeknights, customizable to various dietary needs, and perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or penne pasta

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based protein substitute)

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it is just al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent it from becoming mushy in the bake.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or turkey with diced onion and garlic until browned and fragrant, then drain any excess fat.
  3. Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld into a rich, seasoned mixture.
  4. Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until everything is evenly coated and ready to be layered in your baking dish.
  5. Layer and Add Cheese: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top to create that irresistible cheesy crust.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Semi-soft pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta since it will finish cooking in the oven to avoid sogginess.
  • Drain excess fat: Removing extra grease from the meat keeps the bake from becoming too oily.
  • Cheese blend: Mixing sharp cheddar with mozzarella gives the perfect balance of flavor and melt.
  • Fresh herbs: Adding chopped cilantro after baking brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Use a glass baking dish: It promotes even cooking and browning compared to metal pans.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake, taco pasta bake, cheesy pasta, taco seasoning recipe, easy family dinner, baked pasta, gluten free pasta bake

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cheesy-taco-pasta-bake/