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Taco Bake

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This Taco Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. It combines savory, seasoned ground beef with tender shell pasta, creating a rich and satisfying texture that everyone loves. The dish is infused with the mild heat of green chiles and a robust taco seasoning blend, then smothered in layers of melted cheddar cheese. It&# 226;€™s a one-dish wonder that brings together the flavors of your favorite tacos in a warm, baked format. Perfect for feeding a crowd or leftovers, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with a side of cool sour cream, fresh salsa, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It’s a reliable standby for potlucks and family dinners alike.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 346.9
Description
This Taco Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. It combines savory, seasoned ground beef with tender shell pasta, creating a rich and satisfying texture that everyone loves. The dish is infused with the mild heat of green chiles and a robust taco seasoning blend, then smothered in layers of melted cheddar cheese. It&# 226;€™s a one-dish wonder that brings together the flavors of your favorite tacos in a warm, baked format. Perfect for feeding a crowd or leftovers, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with a side of cool sour cream, fresh salsa, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It’s a reliable standby for potlucks and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound Ground beef, extra lean
  • 1 package Shell pasta (8 oz)
  • 1 small Onion, chopped
  • 15 oz Tomato sauce
  • 1 can Green chiles, chopped and drained
  • 1 package Taco seasoning mix
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup Water
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2
    Cook shell pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. 3
    In a large skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
  4. 4
    Stir in water, taco seasoning mix, and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.
  5. 5
    Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. 6
    Remove from heat and stir in cooked pasta, green chiles, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. 7
    Pour mixture into a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
  8. 8
    Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  9. 9
    Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 346.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19.2g30%
Saturated Fat 7.1g36%
Cholesterol 88.5mg30%
Sodium 2207.7mg92%
Total Carbohydrate 8.7g3%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 2.1g
Protein 30.8g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Variations: Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa after baking.

Tip: If the bake seems dry before going into the oven, add a splash of milk or extra tomato sauce to the mixture.

Ingredient Note: "Shell pasta" refers to conchiglie or similar shell-shaped noodles. Regular elbow macaroni works as a substitute.

Keywords: taco bake, ground beef, casserole, cheddar cheese, green chiles, shell pasta, taco seasoning, comfort food, family dinner, easy meal, beef casserole, pasta bake, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly, one-dish meal, comforting, hearty, cheesy, savory, leftovers
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/taco-bake/