Description
Spicy “overnight taco pasta” brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal morning prep. Quick assembly and rich flavors make this dish perfect for busy households craving zesty, satisfying meals you can enjoy without complicated cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups water
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Topping and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Prepare a large casserole dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly breaking down the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring continuously to distribute the spices evenly and create a robust flavor profile.
- Layer the uncooked penne pasta across the bottom of the casserole dish, creating an even, uniform base.
- Pour the seasoned ground beef mixture directly over the pasta, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Carefully add water across the entire dish, which will help cook the pasta and create a moist environment during baking.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing in moisture and promoting even cooking.
- Refrigerate overnight, allowing the ingredients to meld and the pasta to absorb the flavors and liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F the next day, removing the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Bake covered for 35-40 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the dish to set.
- Top with black beans, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Garnish with dollops of salsa and sour cream just before serving.
- Serve hot, allowing each person to mix the toppings into their portion for a personalized dining experience.
Notes
- Ensure ground beef is completely browned and crumbled to prevent any undercooked meat and achieve a uniform texture throughout the dish.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt levels, especially for those watching their sodium intake or with dietary restrictions.
- Allow pasta to absorb liquid overnight, which dramatically enhances flavor infusion and creates a more cohesive, rich-tasting casserole.
- Customize the recipe easily by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based meat alternatives, or shredded chicken for varied protein options.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-47 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg