Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Yield: 10 Servings
All you need for this recipe are 5 basic ingredients! Yes, you read it right! This Taco Pasta Casserole is a loaded food that you will surely enjoy! Serve this on special occasions or just a simple family dinner. I promise you that it’s going to be awesome. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 ½ c water or milk
2 (1 ounce) packets of taco seasoning (¼ c if using bulk taco seasoning)
16 ounces pasta shells
½ c shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
2 pounds of ground meat beef, chicken, and/or turkey
15.5 ounces salsa
Optional: Add ½ c cream cheese, sour cream, or half & half for a creamier sauce
Directions:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 200 degrees C or 400 degrees F.
Place a Dutch oven with water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to boil.
Add the pasta and a bit of salt, then cook for a few minutes or until al dente. Drain and transfer the cooked pasta into a mixing bowl.
In the same empty Dutch oven, add the ground meat. Cook for a few minutes until it renders fat and turns brown. Drain any accumulated fat.
Put the cooked pasta back into the Dutch oven over the meat.
Add the seasoning packet on top, followed by water.
Add salsa, then stir everything until well blended.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Transfer the Dutch oven inside the preheated oven and bake the Taco Pasta Casserole for about 18 to 22 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.
Remove from the oven, then top with your favorite taco toppings.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to add milk instead of water for a creamier sauce.
You can add sour cream if you want.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 435 kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 426mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg