Taco Casserole

5m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
35m
Ready In


"This for me is pure comfort food. It is creamy and has just the right amount of heat for me. I make this with rice pasta but regular pasta works just fine. If gluten free make sure your taco seasoning is gluten free."

Original is 5 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (263.5 g)
  • Calories 601.4
  • Total Fat - 35.5 g
  • Saturated Fat - 15.8 g
  • Cholesterol - 145.6 mg
  • Sodium - 312 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 38.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 4.8 g
  • Sugars - 4.1 g
  • Protein - 32.3 g
  • Calcium - 116.6 mg
  • Iron - 3.4 mg
  • Vitamin C - 5.7 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Step 2

Meanwhile, mix the ground beef, garlic and pickled jalapeno in a large skillet; cook until ground beef is no longer pink.

Step 3

Add the water and taco seasoning and cook until seasoning starts to stick to the meat and still a bit saucy,

Step 4

Add the cream cheese and stir until melted; stir in the milk and cook just until warmed through.

Step 5

Drain pasta and rinse with warm water, drain again and stir into the meat and cheese mixture.

Step 6

Enjoy!

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • If you don't have pickled jalapeno, you can substitute with fresh jalapeno.
  • Make sure to check the ingredients of the taco seasoning mix to ensure it is gluten free if you are following a gluten free diet.

  • Ground turkey instead of ground beef - Ground turkey is a leaner option, which can provide a healthier alternative to ground beef.
  • Gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta - Gluten-free pasta is a great option for those who need to avoid gluten in their diet, and it still provides the same texture and flavor as regular pasta.

Vegetarian Taco Casserole Substitute the ground beef with 1 (14-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce the water to ¼ cup. Omit the pickled jalapeno and add 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chiles. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to the taco seasoning mix.


Vegetarian Quinoa Taco Casserole Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup cooked quinoa. Reduce the water to ¼ cup. Omit the pickled jalapeno and add 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chiles. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the taco seasoning mix.


Mexican Street Corn Salad: This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a great side to serve with the Taco Casserole. It's a flavorful and light salad that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy casserole. The sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise and tangy lime juice come together to create a delicious and easy side dish that will be sure to please everyone!


Fresh Tomato Salsa: Fresh Tomato Salsa is the perfect accompaniment to the Taco Casserole. It adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish, and the combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños gives it a nice kick. The salsa is easy to make and is a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to the casserole. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables!




FAQ

Q: Can I use regular pasta instead of rice pasta?

A: Yes, you can use regular pasta instead of rice pasta. It will work just fine. Just make sure that your taco seasoning is gluten free if you are making this dish gluten free.



Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of cheese in this dish. Some good options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste.

4 Reviews

pelysma

For us this casserole is kind of one note. It needs more ingredients with flavor added.

4.0

review by:
(7 Nov 2022)

lazyme

Yum. The was great comfort food. I may have gotten a little carried away with the jalapenos.....but that was my fault. lol. Thanks for sharing a nice keeper, Bea. Made for Best of 2019 and recommended by Northwestgal.

5.0

review by:
(29 Jan 2020)

Northwestgal

This was fabulous! I loved the very scant bit of cloves in this dish. It really added a nice touch. This is definitely a "keeper" recipe that we'll certainly be making again. Thanks, Queen Bea. Made for Best of 2018 tag game (breezermom's favorite).

5.0

review by:
(9 Feb 2019)

breezermom

We loved this! Simple but oh so delicious! Served with refried beans and corn. This is going into my keeper file. Thanks for sharing!!

5.0

review by:
(21 Jan 2018)

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Fun facts:

Taco casserole is a favorite dish of former President Barack Obama. He has been known to make it for his family and friends on special occasions.

Taco casserole has been a popular dish in the United States since the 1950s. It was featured in several cookbooks of the time, and has become a staple in many American households.