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Creamy Taco Pasta Bake

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A quick and easy creamy taco pasta bake that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a cozy family dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/plant-based meat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, full-fat
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz/283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Lower heat to medium. Add softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Add beef broth if sauce is too thick.
  7. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles and combine well.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and fold gently to coat with the creamy taco sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. Use full-fat dairy for best creaminess. Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce. For extra crispy edges, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freeze leftovers up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta bake, creamy taco pasta, easy family dinner, Tex-Mex casserole, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-taco-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-30-minute-cozy-family-dinner/