This Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole is a weeknight winner. A creamy noodle base layered with perfectly seasoned taco beef and topped with melty cheese—what’s not to love? With the bold spices of taco night and the coziness of a baked pasta, this dish brings together the best of both worlds. It’s fuss-free, filling, and irresistibly good.
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole
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1 lb ground beef (450 g)
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3/4 cup chopped onion (115 g)
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1 teaspoon minced garlic (5 g)
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2 tablespoons taco seasoning (15 g)
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (0.5 g)
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1 cup water (240 ml)
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (425 ml)
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1 lb egg noodles, cooked and drained (450 g)
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16 oz cottage cheese (2 cups / 450 g)
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1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
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1 tablespoon flour (8 g)
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2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules (6 g)
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1/4 cup chopped green onion (15 g)
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1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (30 g)
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2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese (200 g)
How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole
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Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion together. Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Stir until fragrant and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the water and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
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While the meat simmers, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, flour, and beef bouillon granules in a large bowl. Stir until well blended.
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Add the cooked noodles, chopped green onion, and green bell pepper into the cheese mixture. Mix until the noodles are evenly coated.
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Spoon the noodle and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
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Spread the taco meat mixture evenly over the noodles.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes.
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Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top.
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Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
A Family Favorite That’ll Be on Repeat
This Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole is destined to become a regular on your dinner rotation. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor, all in one baking dish. Serve it with a crisp green salad or some tortilla chips on the side for a fun and filling family meal. Whether it’s a casual weekday or you’re feeding a crowd, this cheesy bake is sure to win hearts (and hungry stomachs) every time!
