Description
This Baked Taco Pasta is a cheesy, comforting fusion of taco night and pasta bake bliss. It’s the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights, with bold taco seasoning, hearty beef, melty cheddar, and pasta baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner idea, a meal prep-friendly bake, or a crowd-pleaser for family night, this easy recipe delivers flavor, texture, and satisfying comfort. Great for leftovers, reheats beautifully, and is a staple among dinner ideas that feel like a treat but take minimal effort.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn kernels
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped green onions (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir to combine.
5. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Let the pasta cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the meat mixture.
You can prep this dish ahead—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: taco pasta, baked casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meals