Pin it
Dinnertime just got easier with this Taco Pasta Casserole. Grab five things you probably already have and toss them together for something everyone’s happy to eat. Throw together pasta, taco flavor, and gooey cheese—then call it done. Swap in what you’ve got if you need to. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family or when a bunch of friends drop by.
Why Try This
You only need five super simple things for a big meal. It's great when you’re in a rush but don’t want junk food. Use whatever you find in the fridge. Throw any toppings on top. Serves eight, and leftovers are just as tasty the next day.
Stuff Needed
- Water: Good old tap
- Cheese: Cheddar, shredded, works well
- Pasta: Shells hold all the good stuff
- Taco Seasoning: One little packet is all you need
- Salsa: Pick your favorite style
- Ground Beef: Regular is best, but use what you like
- Things to make it extra special (if you feel like it):
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
Simple Cheesy Pasta
- Get Stuff Ready
- 1. Heat oven up to 400° 2. Pull out a 9x13 dish and a big pan for pasta 3. Grab your biggest frying pan
- Boil Pasta
- 1. Fill pot with water 2. Throw in a spoonful of salt 3. Crank up the heat 4. When water’s rolling, put in pasta 5. Give it a stir so it won’t clump 6. Boil 8 to 10 minutes 7. Drain with a strainer
- Brown the Beef
- 1. Turn frying pan to high 2. Toss in a pound of ground beef 3. Break it apart with a spoon 4. Cook till it’s brown 5. Drain the fat 6. Put beef back in the pan
- Combine Everything
- 1. Pour pasta into meat pan 2. Sprinkle in taco mix 3. Dump in a cup of salsa 4. Splash in half a cup of water 5. Stir it up well 6. Taste and add more salt if you need
- Layer It Up
- 1. Spray your baking dish 2. Spread the pasta mix inside 3. Make it all even 4. Add cream cheese if you’re using it 5. Top with shredded cheese 6. Cover every bit with cheese
- Finish in Oven
- 1. Slide pan into the oven 2. Set timer for 20 minutes 3. You want that cheese all bubbly 4. Pull it out when it looks right 5. Let it sit 5 minutes 6. Add all your chosen toppings 7. Serve piping hot
Why It's Delicious
You'll love this because it's easy and it tastes way better than you'd guess. Pasta is loaded with taco goodness. The meat makes it feel hearty, and that melty cheese just ties everything together. Swap in any noodles, protein, or add spice if you like. It makes dinnertime simple, but never boring.
Pin it
Choose Your Salsa
What salsa you pick totally changes the dish. Chunky means more veggie bites. Go smooth for a saucy casserole. Want some heat? Grab a spicy one. For a gentler vibe, pick mild. Fresh salsa makes it brighter, or use green salsa for a twist. Just use what your crew likes best.
More Fun Toppings
Pile on toppings to make it fun. Toss on chopped lettuce, tomatoes, or green onions for crunch. Put out bowls of cheese, sour cream, avocado—let everyone build their perfect dinner. That way, everyone gets what they want and it feels like a party.
Cook Smarter
Make cleanup easy—use a big pot you can pop in the oven. Something like a Dutch oven is perfect; cook your meat right in there, then mix it all up. Try new swaps every time, like swapping beef for turkey or using sharper cheese. Any noodle shape works fine. Make it fit you.
Feeding a Bunch
Makes enough for eight, no problem. Got a lot of company? Just double up and use two pans. Only cooking for your family? Split into two pans—eat one, freeze one. Wrap the extra tight and stash in the freezer. Thaw when you’re hungry, warm it up, and dinner’s already sorted.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I try a different meat?
- Ground turkey's great if you want it lighter. Chicken gives it a whole new vibe but still tasty. Italian sausage? Adds some great spice. Using turkey? Toss in extra seasoning since it's milder. Just brown it well for the best flavor.
- → How do I make it spicier?
- Throw in some chopped jalapeños—fresh ones bring the heat! Spicy salsa or hot Rotel works too. Add some chili powder or cayenne to the taco mix. Easy fix? Leave hot sauce at the table so everyone gets to choose their own level.
- → Can I prep it ahead of time?
- Sure thing! Prep everything except the cheese and stash it in the fridge for up to two days. Toss the cheese on when it's ready to go in. Freezing works too—up to three months. Just undercook the pasta if you're planning ahead.
- → What about skipping the meat?
- Black beans and corn work great instead of beef. Adding peppers gives it a nice crunch. Toss in extra beans for protein. Try meat substitutes like Beyond Meat if you’d like. Even veggies are awesome—just drain 'em so the mix doesn’t get soggy.
- → How do I make it creamier?
- Melt in some cream cheese—about 4 ounces. Sour cream’s great on top when you serve it. Others use cream of chicken soup or Mexican crema. Just mix the creamy stuff at the end to keep the texture perfect.
Conclusion
Need more quick ideas? Give chicken alfredo a try or make a simple one-pot stroganoff when you're in the mood to switch things up!