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Ingredients
 

  • Pasta: 8 oz about 225g, uncooked (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
  • Ground beef: 1 lb about 450g
  • Onion: 1 medium diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Taco seasoning: 2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade
  • Tomato sauce: 1 can 15 oz
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can 10 oz, undrained
  • Black beans: 1 can 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen, canned, or fresh
  • Chicken broth or water: 1/2 cup for cooking pasta
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded
  • Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup shredded
  • Toppings: Sour cream diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, green onions (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Remember, the pasta will absorb more sauce overnight and during the final baking, so it’s better to undercook it slightly.

Brown the Ground Beef:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Taco Flavors:

  • Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Mix well and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.

Combine with Pasta:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture along with the chicken broth or water. Stir until everything is well combined.

Layer in a Baking Dish:

  • Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses.

Refrigerate Overnight:

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the pasta to soak up the flavors.

Bake:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the covering and bake the pasta for about 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with Toppings:

  • Serve the taco pasta hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, or green onions.