What toppings can I add to the cheesy taco pasta bake?

You can add toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or sour cream to the cheesy taco pasta bake. You can also serve it with tortilla chips on the side.

How can I make this recipe spicier

You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to make this recipe spicier.

Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely, then reheat in 350°F oven to 20 to 25 minutes.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

Description

This easy dinner recipe will be on repeat because it’s so easy to make and the perfect pasta bake for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

450g/ 1 pound pasta - choose your favorite shape

454g/ 1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup red or yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 package 24g Taco seasoning

1 cup chunky salsa, mild or medium

1 can, 127 mL chopped green chilies

680mL tomato sauce

3 cups medium or old cheese, shredded and divided

1 and 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded and divided

Garnish

3 to 4 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley

Condiments

3/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta until al dente, following package directions, then drain.
Cook ground beef, onions and garlic in large skillet and drain off any fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, green chilies. Simmer over medium heat for five minutes, stirring often.
Stir in cooked pasta and 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to 9×13-inch baking dish and top with remaining sharp cheddar and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake in 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro or parsley and sour cream.

Notes

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pasta in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You can either heat the leftover pasta in the microwave or in the oven. For microwave, place one serving on plate and microwave for one minute. Stir and continue to microwave in 30 second increments until heated through.

To reheat in oven, preheat oven to 350°F, cover leftovers with foil in baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner Recipes
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 helping
Calories: 628
Sugar: 8.2 g
Sodium: 1029.7 mg
Fat: 25.1 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 65.5 g
Fiber: 4.7 g
Protein: 34.6 g
Cholesterol: 78.5 mg