Description
Cheesy Cowboy Pasta Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with flavors of taco seasoning, beans, and cheese. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings, combining pasta, ground beef, and fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir in the sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the mixture for extra nutrition.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes