Taco Pasta Casserole

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 to 1 whole onion, chopped

12 oz pasta (any type will work, penne, rotini, or macaroni are great choices)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 jar of salsa (your favorite brand, about 16 oz)

1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (measure with your heart!)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

While the pasta is cooking, sauté the chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until softened (about 3-4 minutes).

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.

3. Mix the Taco Seasoning:

Once the meat is browned, remove the skillet from heat.
Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup). Mix everything until the cheese is melted and well combined.

4. Combine with Pasta:

Add the meat mixture to the cooked pasta, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with more cheese (as much as you like—go for a cheesy topping!).

6. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the casserole for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your cheesy, taco-flavored casserole!

Q & A:

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can easily be substituted for a leaner version of this dish. It will still be delicious with the same taco seasoning and salsa!

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can add things like corn, black beans, or bell peppers to add more flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the ground beef.

Q: What if I want to make it spicier?
A: You can add some jalapeños to the meat mixture or use a spicy salsa for an extra kick. A sprinkle of chili flakes or some hot sauce would work well too.

Benefits:

Quick and Easy: This is a one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the cheese, meat, or add-ins based on your preferences.
Kid-friendly: The cheesy, taco flavor is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
One-Dish Meal: With pasta, meat, and cheese all in one dish, this casserole is a complete meal, making cleanup a breeze.

This Taco Pasta Casserole combines the best of both worlds—cheesy comfort food and the bold flavors of tacos. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation! 🍝🌮