Table of Contents
- 1 A Cheesy, Beefy Tex‑Mex Pasta Bake That Feeds a Crowd
- 2 What Makes It a Family Favorite
- 3 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
- 4 Step‑By‑Step Instructions
- 5 Customization Ideas
- 6 Freezer‑Friendly & Make‑Ahead Tips
- 7 Serving Suggestions
- 8 Leftovers & Storage
- 9 Nutrition Estimate (Approx per Serving)
- 10 FAQs
- 11 Why This Recipe Works for Family Meals
A Cheesy, Beefy Tex‑Mex Pasta Bake That Feeds a Crowd
Looking for a meal that combines taco night with pasta dinner magic? This Taco Pasta Casserole brings bold Tex‑Mex flair into a hearty pasta bake—perfect for feeding families or groups, while staying budget-friendly and freezer-ready. It transforms basic ingredients like pasta, seasoned beef, tomatoes, and cheese into a warm, bubbling casserole that’s easy to prepare ahead, customize, and reheat.
Whether you’re craving comfort on Taco Tuesday, hosting game-day festivities, or stocking your freezer for busy nights, this casserole delivers satisfying layers of flavor and simplicity. Best of all, it’s 100% inclusive: no pork, no bacon, no wine, and no alcohol—making it accessible and delicious for everyone at the table.
What Makes It a Family Favorite
One-pan | one-dish meal — minimal prep, minimal cleanup
Kid-approved flavor — cheesy, mild, full of taco goodness
Scalable crowd feed — doubles or triples for extra hungry groups
Freezer-friendly — ideal for future meals
Adaptable — swap ingredients based on pantry items or dietary needs
Halal-friendly — fits families with diverse dietary practices
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef, turkey, or chicken | 1½ lb (lean) |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Taco seasoning | 3 tbsp or 1–2 packets |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 can (14–15 oz) |
| Tomato sauce or salsa | 1 can (8–10 oz) or 1 cup salsa |
| Pasta (elbow, rotini, shells) | 12 oz dry |
| Broth (chicken or veggie) | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar/Mexican blend) | 2 cups, plus extra topping |
| Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Optional: canned corn or beans | 1 cup |
| Garnish: fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, green onions |
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Brown the Meat
In a large oven-safe skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Tex‑Mex Flavors
Stir in taco seasoning until the beef is evenly coated and fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce (or salsa), mixing well.
4. Layer in the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta straight into the skillet. Pour in broth to just cover the pasta. Stir gently to combine everything.
5. Simmer Before Baking
Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, then cover and let cook on medium-low for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is nearly tender.
6. Cheese Time
Stir in the shredded cheese (and sour cream or yogurt if using) to create a creamy texture. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish if needed. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, or green onions.
Customization Ideas
Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.
Include frozen corn, bell peppers, black beans, or jalapeños for more texture or spice.
Use gluten-free pasta to adapt for dietary needs.
For a vegetarian version, double beans or use plant-based meat alternatives.
Spice it up with diced chilies or cayenne pepper for adult palates.
Freezer‑Friendly & Make‑Ahead Tips
Make-ahead: Assemble casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly when ready.
Freeze for later: Cool completely, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake at 350°F for 25–35 minutes, until heated through.
Reheat leftovers: Microwave single portions or oven-reheat (covered) at 350°F with a splash of broth to stay creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside:
Fresh salad or veggie sticks
Garlic bread or soft tortilla chips
Warm tortillas for DIY tacos
Sweet corn or loaded potato wedges
Leftovers & Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To refresh leftovers, add a dash of broth and reheat gently to restore moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Estimate (Approx per Serving)
Calories: ~450–550 kcal
Protein: ~25–30g
Carbs: ~40–50g
Fat: ~15–20g (depends on cheese and meat chosen)
Fiber: ~4–6g (depending on added veggies/beans)
FAQs
Is this halal?
Yes! It’s prepared entirely without pork, bacon, alcohol, or wine, making it halal-friendly when using permissible meat and ingredients.
Can leftovers be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking. Thaw and reheat when needed.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or dairy-free shreds work well.
Is it spicy?
Mild by default, but easily spiced up with hot sauce, jalapeños, or cayenne.
Why This Recipe Works for Family Meals
This casserole brings the best of comfort food with the ease of one-pan cooking. It’s budget-conscious, adaptable, and satisfies varied tastes. No fancy ingredients or long prep skills—just hearty, delicious, family-focused eating made easy.
