Description
A comforting and flavorful casserole that combines pasta, ground beef, and taco flavors for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or choose chicken or turkey)
- 16 oz pasta shells
- 15.5 oz salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 (1 oz) packets taco seasoning (or 1/4 cup if using bulk)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet, heat on high. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Incorporate the cooked pasta with the meat. If a Dutch oven isn’t available, transfer everything to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, and pour 1 1/2 cups of water over the top. Add salsa and stir to combine.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheese, and if you prefer a creamy texture, stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or a different blend of cheeses.
