Description
Savor Mexican-inspired “Overnight Taco Pasta” with its rich blend of zesty flavors and simple preparation. Hearty ingredients meld together while refrigerating, creating a delicious make-ahead meal you’ll crave for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz or 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz or 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) frozen corn
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 (1 oz or 28 grams) packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see Notes)
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups or 226 grams) uncooked pasta (shells or penne work well)
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cups (474 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream (or sour cream for tang)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat completely.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn into the beef mixture. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combining with uncooked pasta, one portion of shredded cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and develop rich flavors.
- Remove dish from refrigerator and preheat oven to 375F (190C). Place covered dish in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
- Uncover the dish and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Switch oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown with crispy edges.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately alongside tortilla chips or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist on this hearty dish.
- Control Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or mix your own blend to suit personal taste preferences.
- Maximize Flavor Absorption: Let the pasta sit in the refrigerator for the full 8 hours to ensure maximum flavor penetration and creamy texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it can be assembled a day in advance and baked fresh when ready to serve, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg