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Loaded Taco Pasta Bake

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake combines pasta and taco flavors for a delicious and customizable dinner option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Sauce
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta or swap with rotini or rigatoni
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or vegetable or avocado oil
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey or plant-based meat
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning homemade versions allow for customization
  • 1 can Black Beans or kidney beans or pinto beans
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies or plain diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels or swap with diced bell peppers
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack or pepper jack
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or provolone or cheese blend
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup Salsa choose heat level or use pico de gallo
  • 3 tablespoons Green Onions or chives
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and brown for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned beef, add black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with beef mixture, sour cream, and salsa. Mix until well-coated.
  5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

This dish is ideal for gatherings and can be customized for heat preference. Great for meal prep and freezing without cheese.

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