Taco Pasta Casserole
This ain’t no ordinary taco pasta we’re dealing with here. This is a casserole style pasta that is going to change your life forever. Well, for now anyway. Let’s see what we’re working with here:
Pasta Layer – Ooey gooey cheesy taco flavoured ground beef pasta YES MA’AM. Crispy Layer – We’re gonna use crushed tortilla chips or hard taco shells to create an ultra crispy layer, then bake it in the oven (yes, dreams really do come true). Taco Toppings – Once fresh out the oven it’s time to load everything up with the ultimate combo of taco toppings.
All in all this is a total dream. It’s spicy, cheesy, filling, down and damn right dirty. In the best way possible. Anywho, cheese anyone?
Making Cheesy Taco Pasta
The main bulk, and the star of this casserole, is indeed the cheesy taco pasta. As such, it’s important to get it right. Easy method, simple ingredients, but let’s quickly discuss a few.
Pasta
I always go for conchiglie, mainly because the beef gets caught up in the pasta shell and makes it seem like lots of mini pasta tacos. However, if you’re not as easily as amused as I am, you can use any other short cut pasta you fancy. In all cases it’s important to slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t turn soft and sloppy when baked.
Beef
I usually go for beef around 10-12% lean. Gives it a bit of fatty flavour, but not so much it turns oily/greasy. If you only have fatty beef just drain away some of the fat.
Cheese
For me it’s a 3 way split between cheddar, mozzarella and monterey jack. You can also use ‘Mexican Cheese Blends’ if your store sells it. Any melty cheese works though.
Seasoning
I of course recommend my Ground Beef Taco Seasoning! But your favourite store bought brand will work fine too.
How to make Cheesy Taco Pasta (quick summary)
Taco Pasta Bake
Alright, here’s where things get fun. You’re right, most pasta bakes do indeed have a layer of cheese on top and then baked. BUT, here we’re dealing with a crispy crunchy layer instead. You know, just to keep in with the taco theme and all that jazz. My first choice here is to use hard tortilla shells, but you can sub tortilla chips. To crush them I find it easiest in a zip lock bag, squeeze out the air and crush with your hands (or a rolling pin). You can also use a food processor. After we’ve baked it’s time to load up with your favourite taco toppings. Here’s the usual suspects for me:
Sour Cream Red Onion Tomato Avocado Lime (to serve)
How to make Baked Taco Pasta (quick summary)
Serving Taco Pasta Bake
From there it’s time to face plant! This will make a full meal for 5 (4 very hungry) so no need for sides. I also recommend diving in quick, or the sour cream with start to turn the topping soft. If you like the sound of this recipe then definitely check out my Ground Beef Tacos, Taco Sweet Potatoes and Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas! Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full taco pasta bake recipe shall we?!
How to make Taco Pasta Bake (Full Recipe & Video)
For more similar recipes check out these beauties too:
Delicious Pasta Bakes
Broccoli Pasta Bake Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Bake Meatball Pasta Bake Easy Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bake Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
