Baked Taco Pasta Casserole

Name: Baked Taco Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 ounces); 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned); 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack mix); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I absolutely love making this Baked Taco Pasta Casserole for family gatherings. It's a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and it never fails to impress my guests. The best part is how easy it is to prepare! With a rich taco-inspired sauce, al dente pasta, and gooey cheese baked to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It's comforting, satisfying, and versatile enough to adapt with your favorite toppings or sides. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this one!

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-11T21:17:27.399Z

When I first tried creating a taco-inspired pasta dish, I didn’t expect it to turn out so well! I combined my favorite taco ingredients into a pasta casserole, and the flavors melded beautifully. The combination of spices, beef, and pasta transformed into a comforting meal that felt familiar yet new. I also learned that baking the casserole just right allows the cheese to bubble and slightly brown, which adds extra flavor.

One tip I discovered is to use a mix of cheeses. I typically go for cheddar and Monterey Jack because they melt perfectly and complement the spices. This little tweak enhances the dish's overall richness, making every bite utterly delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty layers of flavor in every bite
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks

      

Ingredient Highlights

The star of this Baked Taco Pasta Casserole is the ground beef, which provides a rich, meaty flavor and an excellent source of protein. Browning the beef properly is crucial—ensure it gets a nice crust without steaming. Use a high heat to achieve this, and don’t overcrowd the pan. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute, offering a lighter taste with similar texture and cooking time.

The taco seasoning is a blend of spices that elevates the entire dish. You can customize it by adding your favorite chili powder, cumin, or even smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile. If you’re short on time or prefer less sodium, making your own seasoning mix is an easy solution. Combine 1 tablespoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder for a personalized touch.

Assembly Tips

Combining the pasta with the meat mixture evenly distributes the flavors throughout the casserole. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that the noodles soak up the taco sauce, especially around the edges of the casserole dish, where they might dry out during baking. A rubber spatula works wonders for gently folding these ingredients together without breaking the pasta.

When layering the casserole with cheese, consider using a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cheddar gives a robust flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we crave. For added crunch, you can fold in some crushed tortilla chips before baking or sprinkle them on top just after the casserole comes out of the oven.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 ounces)
1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Preheat and Prepare Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Combine and Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat mixture. Stir in 1 cup of cheese, then transfer everything into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cilantro if using, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious baked taco pasta casserole!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or avocado for a fresh twist!

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Taco Pasta Casserole is versatile enough to serve on its own, but pairing it with a side salad or guacamole brings a fresh element to the table. The creamy richness of the cheese complements a crisp green salad, and the cold, tangy guacamole provides a great contrast to the warm, hearty casserole. Simple toppings like sliced jalapeños or scallions add a nice touch.

If you’re serving a crowd, consider making individual portions in ramekins. This not only looks appealing but also makes for easy servings. Just be sure to adjust the baking time—individual servings might need only 15-20 minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on them to achieve that bubbly, golden top.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best aspects of this casserole is that it can be prepared ahead of time. After assembling the ingredients but before the initial baking, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, ensuring that the casserole is even in temperature for more consistent cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I substitute the meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

We love serving it with a side salad or some tortilla chips and salsa for added crunch.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.