Go Back
In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty and satisfying nature of a casserole. This Cheesy Taco Casserole Delight combines the zesty flavors of classic tacos with the creamy goodness of cheesy pasta, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a delightful texture that will leave everyone reaching for seconds. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and creative serving suggestions that make this casserole a must-try.

Cheesy Taco Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Taco Casserole Delight! Combining the zesty flavors of tacos with creamy cheesy pasta, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Easy to customize for any dietary needs, you can use ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option. Loaded with nutritious veggies and ooey-gooey cheese, it promises bold flavors and a delightful texture. Follow the step-by-step instructions for a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup salsa

8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)

Tortilla chips (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) along with the diced onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.

        Add Seasoning: Incorporate the minced garlic, taco seasoning, drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (including their juices), and salsa into the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture. Carefully fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, ensuring the ingredients are well blended.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

              Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the top of the casserole. For an added crunch, layer some crushed tortilla chips over the cheese.

                Bake: Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Spoon the delicious casserole onto plates and enjoy your cheesy taco delight!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                      Presentation Tips: Serve each portion of the casserole in a bowl, topped with a few extra tortilla chips for crunch and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh touch. Consider serving with a side of extra salsa for dipping.