Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 10 ounces enchilada sauce
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or shells work well), cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado slices
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until smooth.
6. Stir in the enchilada sauce until well combined.
7. Add the cooked pasta and the ground beef mixture to the cream cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
8. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.
12. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Taco Pasta Bake
This Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It combines the best flavors of tacos and enchiladas into one comforting and satisfying dish.
It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
Easy Weeknight Dinner
This recipe is designed for ease and convenience. Ground beef cooks quickly, and the use of canned goods keeps prep time to a minimum.
The baking step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious meal. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it later.
Customizable Flavors
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added nutrition and flavor. Spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
It reheats well in the microwave or oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta turns out perfectly every time.
From ingredient substitutions to baking techniques, we’ve got you covered.
Choosing the Right Pasta
The best pasta shapes for this recipe are those that hold the creamy sauce well. Rotini, penne, and shells are all excellent choices.
Avoid using long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they may not hold the sauce as effectively. Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Perfectly Seasoned Ground Beef
The taco seasoning is a crucial element in this recipe. Use a high-quality taco seasoning for the best flavor.
You can also make your own taco seasoning using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Be sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning.
Creamy and Flavorful Sauce
The cream cheese is the key to achieving a creamy and rich sauce. Ensure it is softened before combining it with the other ingredients.
The cream of mushroom soup adds a depth of flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Consider these serving suggestions and variations to create a complete meal.
Delicious Side Dishes
Serve this pasta bake with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables. A side of Mexican rice or refried beans would also complement the flavors nicely.
For a more substantial meal, add a side of cornbread or tortilla chips with guacamole.
Topping Ideas
The possibilities for toppings are endless! Some popular options include chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, and hot sauce.
You can also add a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips or a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor and texture.
Vegetarian Option
To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or black beans. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Be sure to use a vegetarian taco seasoning.
Making it Ahead and Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta is a great make-ahead meal. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked later, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To prepare this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through.
You can also reheat the entire baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed choices about your diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this Creamy Taco Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta, as well as some dietary considerations.
Key Nutrients
This dish provides a good source of protein from the ground beef and black beans. It also contains carbohydrates from the pasta and corn, and fats from the cream cheese and sour cream.
The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. Using leaner ground beef and reduced-fat dairy products can help to reduce the fat content.
Addressing Dietary Needs
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives. Consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken. Plant-based ground meat is also a great option for a vegetarian version.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or spinach.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture or the sauce.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze this pasta bake. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup. You can also make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
