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loaded taco pasta bake fresh from oven

Loaded Taco Pasta Bake

This Loaded Taco Pasta Bake is a bold, comfort-packed mashup of cheesy pasta and classic taco flavors, loaded with seasoned meat, melty cheese, and zesty toppings. Creamy, hearty, and full of Tex-Mex goodness, it’s baked until bubbly for a dinner that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for busy nights or feeding a hungry family, this one-pan meal always hits the spot.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pasta bake:

  • 12 oz pasta rotini, penne, or shells work best
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey/chicken
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade
  • 1 cup salsa mild or medium
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings (added before or after baking):

  • Sliced black olives
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Green onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Substitutions & notes:

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • Swap beef for plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
  • Greek yogurt keeps it lighter without sacrificing creaminess.

Instructions  

  • Cook the pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes shy of package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Brown the meat
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Build the flavor
  • Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Season and simmer
  • Sprinkle in taco seasoning, then add salsa and diced tomatoes. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes so flavors blend.
  • Make it creamy
  • Remove from heat and stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Combine with pasta
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet (or transfer everything to a large bowl). Stir until evenly coated.
  • Assemble the bake
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Stir in half the cheese, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  • Bake
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with lightly golden cheese on top.
  • Rest and serve
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use short pasta like rotini or penne for best texture.
  • Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well.
  • Drain excess fat to keep the bake from getting greasy.
  • Adjust taco seasoning for mild or spicy flavor.
  • Top with extra cheese during the last 10 minutes.
  • Let rest before serving for easier slicing.
  • Add fresh toppings like tomatoes or cilantro after baking.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 480 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 42 g,
Fiber: 4 g,
Sugars: 6 g,
Protein: 26 g,
Fat: 26 g,
Saturated Fat: 11 g,
Cholesterol: 75 mg,
Sodium: 890 mg,
Potassium: 520 mg,
Calcium: 260 mg,
Iron: 3.4 mg
Keyword Loaded Taco Pasta Bake