OnePan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

Recipe Introduction: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!

Fancy a dinner that's both dead easy and tastes like a proper party? Me too! This One-Pan Taco Pasta is the answer.

Think Tex-Mex flavours crashing a pasta night. What could be better?

Why This One-Pan Taco Pasta Rocks?

This isn't just any Taco Pasta Recipe . It’s a proper hug in a bowl, a Mexican Pasta Casserole that's quicker than ordering a takeaway. It's all about flavour without the faff.

A Dash of History, A Whole Lotta Delicious

This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake might not be from Grandma's cookbook. But it's got that same home-cooked vibe. It's Tex-Mex comfort food at its finest! It is easy as pie, takes about 35 minutes, and feeds 4 hungry souls.

Hello Weeknight Dinner Ideas

This recipe is a nutritional winner. It offers a good dose of protein from the ground beef. Plus, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

It's simple and satisfying. Honestly, it's the Easy Pasta Bake you've been searching for. This Ground Beef Pasta dish is special because it's all done in One-Pan Pasta .

Less washing up? Winner!

What You'll Need

Alright, let’s gather our bits and bobs. Here's what you'll need to conjure up this delicious dish. Trust me, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably already have.

Let's dive into that ingredients list...

Alright, so you want to dive into making this One-Pan Taco Pasta huh? Ace choice! It's a total crowd-pleaser. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, the ingredients and bits you'll need.

Think of this as your kit list, minus the camping gear!

OnePan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet (28g) taco seasoning
• 2 cups (475ml) beef broth
• 1 (10 oz or 283g) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In the skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
• Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and evenly distributed.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Place it under the broiler on the top rack for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
• Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly. Garnish with your favourite toppings (sour cream, green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños) and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:600

Fat:30g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mexican

Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Ingredients & Equipment

Trust me, having everything ready to go before you start makes life so much easier. Minimise faffing! This section breaks down everything you need, right down to the spices.

It's all about setting yourself up for One-Pan Pasta success.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's what you'll need to rustle up this Tex-Mex Pasta magic. I've included both US and metric measurements so no excuses!

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g). Go for beef with a decent fat content, say 80/20. Adds flavour. Don't use too lean, or add some olive oil.
• Onion: 1 small, diced. Yellow onions are the classic, but a white one will work in a pinch.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best, trust me.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (only if needed). If you're using lean beef, you'll want a splash.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (28g), or 2 tbsp homemade. Get a decent one; cheap ones can taste a bit blah.
• Beef Broth: 2 cups (475ml). Chicken or veg broth works too. The better the broth, the better the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: 1 can (283g), undrained. Rotel is the classic, but any brand will do.
• Tomato Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml). Basic passata is fine. Adds a touch of richness.
• Pasta: 8 oz (225g). Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are all good.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170g), shredded. Divide this into 1 cup and 1/2 cup.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup (115g), shredded. Or a Mexican blend is excellent too.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy, season generously!

Seasoning Superpowers

Right, let's talk about flavour! This isn't just any Easy Pasta Bake ; we're going for a proper Mexican Pasta Casserole vibe.

• Taco Seasoning: It's the MVP. If you're making your own, think chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Beef Broth: It adds depth of flavour. Don't use water!
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: They add acidity and a gentle kick.

If you don't have Rotel, use normal diced tomatoes and a pinch of cayenne. Sorted!

Essential Kitchen Kit

You really don't need anything fancy for this Ground Beef Pasta . It is a weeknight dinner idea after all. Think of it as comfort food recipes .

• Oven-Safe Skillet: A 12-inch (30cm) one is ideal. If you don't have one, use a regular skillet and a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvious, but essential.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and browning the meat.

One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake: Weeknight Dinner Sorted!

Honestly, who has time for faffing about after work? This One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is my go-to when I need something quick, easy, and comforting.

It's a right winner. It's basically a Taco Pasta Recipe that requires minimal washing up. Plus, it’s perfect for using up that Ground Beef you've had sitting in the fridge! This is one of my favourite Comfort Food Recipes .

Prep Steps: Sorted in a Flash!

• Mise en place essentials: Get your 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey!) browned and your onion and garlic chopped. You know, the usual drill.
• Time-saving tips: I sometimes chop the onion and garlic the night before to really save time. You could also use pre-shredded cheese if you're feeling lazy. No judgement here!
• Safety reminder: Don't be a muppet, wash your hands before you start and keep raw meat away from cooked food.

Step-by-Step Process: Easy Peasy!

1. Brown 1 lb Ground Beef in your Large skillet over medium heat. Drain any fat!
2. Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2- 3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in 1 packet taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute . Makes the kitchen smell amazing, doesn't it?
4. Pour in 2 cups beef broth , 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes , and 1/2 cup tomato sauce . Add 8 oz uncooked pasta . Stir.
5. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12- 15 minutes , or until the pasta is cooked.
6. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese . Melt it all lovely!
7. Top with remaining cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese .
8. Bake or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2- 3 minutes on top rack. Watch it!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake

• Don't overcook the pasta! Nobody wants a mushy bake. A good Tex-Mex Pasta must have a solid bite.
• Common mistake? Forgetting to stir. Give it a stir every now and then to stop it from sticking to the bottom.
• This Easy Pasta Bake is even better the next day! Make it ahead and just warm it up when you're ready. It's an excellent Weeknight Dinner Idea .

So there you have it, my super simple One-Pan Taco Pasta . Give this Mexican Pasta Casserole a go and let me know what you think.

Honestly, this One-Pan Pasta is a game changer. Enjoy!

Alright, let's talk recipe notes for this amazing One-Pan Taco Pasta ! Honestly, this is where you can really make it your dish, you know? This ain't just a recipe, it's an invitation to get creative.

Serving Up Some Goodness

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Right, so picture this. Dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, and maybe a cheeky wedge of lime.

Boom! Insta-worthy Taco Pasta Recipe . You could even get fancy and crush some tortilla chips on top for a bit of crunch.

Complementary Sides or Beverages: This bad boy goes great with a simple side salad. Also, imagine washing it down with an ice-cold Mexican beer.

Sorted! Or, if you're feeling fancy, a Margarita would be perfect. It's the little things, innit?

Storing for Later - Top Tips!

Refrigeration Guidelines: If you've got any leftovers (unlikely!), just pop them in an airtight container. They will be good in the fridge for 3-4 days .

You've got to label it with a date.

Freezing Options (If Applicable): This Easy Pasta Bake freezes brilliantly! Just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will happily sit there for up to 3 months .

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy) or bake it in the oven. If microwaving, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

For the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Remixing the One-Pan Taco Pasta

Dietary Adaptations: Fancy a veggie version? Swap the Ground Beef Pasta for some black beans or Quorn. Sorted!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: For a summery vibe, chuck in some grilled corn. It adds a lovely sweetness. In autumn, roasted butternut squash would be lush.

Nutrition Basics (No Lectures, Promise!)

Simplified Nutrition Information: Right, so this is Mexican Pasta Casserole , so we are looking at approximately 550-650 calories per serving.

It's got a good hit of protein from the beef, plus carbs for energy.

Key Health Benefits: It's a proper satisfying Comfort Food Recipe , and let's be honest, sometimes that's exactly what you need.

And hey, you can always load it up with extra veggies to make it healthier. I find that that's very helpful and useful.

So there you have it, mate! All the insider tips for making this Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake your own. Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment.

Get in the kitchen, get messy, and have some fun with this Tex-Mex Pasta ! If you're looking for Weeknight Dinner Ideas , you found a winner.

I am telling you, it's great!