If you're craving a comforting, cheesy dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Creamy Taco Pasta Bake! This delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total of 45 minutes from start to finish, you'll have a hearty meal that serves six hungry bellies. Imagine creamy pasta enveloped in seasoned meat, topped with melted cheese and zesty salsa—it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Ready to discover the secret to this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat, then return the skillet to the stove. Add the taco seasoning packet and stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in the cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce with the meat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the meat and cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the salsa evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire dish, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This will help prevent mushy pasta in your final dish.
- Choose Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add Extra Veggies: For a nutritional boost, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans into the meat mixture.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you like it hot, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget to top your pasta bake with fresh herbs like cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or avocado slices for added flavor and presentation.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 95mg
