Are you looking to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that combines the comforting goodness of pasta with the bold flavors of tacos? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share a scrumptious recipe that’s sure to delight your taste buds: the Taco Temptation Pasta Bake. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
- 300 grams Ziti noodles: A wonderful pasta choice that holds sauces beautifully.
- 500 grams ground beef: The base of our taco-flavored layer.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: This brings the classic, zesty taco flavors to the dish.
- 200 grams cream cheese: Adds creamy richness, balancing the spices.
- 150 grams grated cheese: Use cheddar or a Mexican blend for that perfect melty topping.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your oven is hot enough to bake the pasta to perfection.
- Cook the Ziti noodles: Boil them in water until al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Then, drain the noodles and set aside.
- Prepare the meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning along with a quarter cup of water to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Mix in the cream cheese: Add the cream cheese directly to your beef mixture, stirring until it’s completely melted and combined. This creamy meat sauce will be the star of your bake.
- Layer it up: In a baking dish, start by layering half of your cooked noodles, then sprinkle half of the grated cheese over them. Spread the beef and cream cheese mixture on top. Finish with another layer of noodles and the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese on top to become deliciously melted and bubbly.
Prep and Cook Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
- Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings.
This Taco Temptation Pasta Bake is a fantastic meal to serve when you’re craving something different. It’s hearty, satisfying, and captures a delightful fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta bake is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
Taco Temptation Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Taco Temptation Pasta Bake combines the heartiness of perfectly cooked ziti noodles with the rich, savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef and creamy, melted cheese. Each bite offers a cheesy, gooey texture mixed with the bold taste of taco spices, creating a comforting dish that’s sure to please any palate.Ideal for any day of the week, this easy-to-make casserole requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or simply looking to indulge in some delicious comfort food, this cheesy taco cream cheese pasta will become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it as a standalone entrée or paired with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
300 grams Ziti noodles
500 grams Ground beef
1 packet Taco seasoning
200 grams Cream cheese
150 grams Grated cheese (like cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti noodles in boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes; drain.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup).
Add cream cheese to the beef mixture, stirring until completely melted and combined.
In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles topped with half of the grated cheese.
Spread the beef and cream cheese mixture over the first layer of noodles and cheese.
Top with the remaining noodles and grated cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600