Easy Dinner Casserole: Cheesy Taco Casserole
If the entire family loves taco night (and you love an easy dinner), make this cheesy taco pasta casserole! It has all the delicious taco flavors you know and love but in a simple baked taco casserole! Cook the bow tie noodles, brown the ground beef with green bell pepper, and then add everything into a casserole dish to mix. Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and browned, and dinner is ready! If you’re looking for a easy dinner casserole that the kids (and adults) will all love, give this a try! Looking for more easy casserole dishes? Also try my Potato casserole with ground beef, Spaghetti casserole with ground beef and Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Ingredients for ground beef taco casserole
This is such a simple list of ingredients. You might already have everything in your kitchen to make this taco pasta bake!
bow tie pasta ground beef green bell pepper can of tomato soup tomatoes taco seasoning mix shredded cheese (cheddar or taco blend)
What other noodles can I use for taco noodle casserole?
Bow ties, also known as farfalle pasta, are our favorite for taco pasta bake because the nooks and crannies trap all the saucy ingredients! Plus bow ties are one of my kid’s favorites because they’re so fun! If you’re out of bow tie pasta, you can also use penne, rotini, rigatoni, elbow noodles or medium shells! All of them will still result in a yummy taco casserole!
What Is Taco Seasoning Made Of?
Taco seasoning recipes can vary but many contain the following common ingredients: paprika, chili, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can make your own easily or you can buy it from the grocery store. To save money, I recommend buying the bulk container as it saves a ton!
How to make taco pasta casserole
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the box, drain, and set aside. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with green bell pepper. Drain any excess grease. Add the pasta to the skillet along with the tomato soup, tomatoes, and taco seasoning and stir. Pour into a 9×13 size baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. You can use taco blend or regular cheddar. Bake until cheese is browned and bubbly then serve and enjoy this delicious, cheesy taco pasta bake!
Baked taco casserole add-ins
Out of fresh tomatoes?: You can use a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes instead. Want more crunch? Add a can of drained corn into the casserole. Want it spicy?: You can add 1-2 finely diced jalapeno peppers if you want it spicy! Toppings: Add crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, guacamole or taco sauce on top when serving if desired.
Storing and heating leftovers
If you love this meal, then you’re in for a treat because the leftovers taste amazing too! Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat leftovers within 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed up thoroughly in the middle, or heat up in the oven. Pin for later:
