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4 Servings
Total Time: 47min
Shared By Dave Walaszek
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Taco Pasta Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground meat (beef, chicken, and/or turkey) *See post for other ideas
  • 1 (16oz) box pasta shells
  • 1 (15.5oz) jar salsa
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning + 1 cup water or milk
  • Optional: Add 1/2 cup cream cheese, sour cream, or half and half for a creamier sauce
  • Instructions
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Directions

  1. Preparing the Ingredients
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Cooking the Ground Meat
  5. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  6. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return the cooked meat to the pan.
  7. Adding Flavor
  8. Add the taco seasoning regular or hot to the cooked meat, along with 1 cup of water or milk, stirring until well combined.
  9. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  10. Assembling the Casserole
  11. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta shells on the bottom.
  12. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the pasta shells, spreading it out evenly.
  13. Pour half of the salsa over the meat layer, spreading it out evenly.
  14. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the salsa layer.
  15. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta shells, meat mixture, salsa, and shredded cheese.
  16. Baking the Casserole
  17. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  18. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  19. Serving and Enjoying
  20. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  21. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
  22. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Basic Taco Pasta Casserole!
  23. Cook Notes and Variations
  24. Customize the Protein: Feel free to use your favorite ground meat in this recipe, such as beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or tofu crumbles.
  25. Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value of the casserole by adding diced bell peppers, onions, corn, or black beans to the meat mixture.
  26. Experiment with Cheese: Mix and match different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese
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