Description
Creamy overnight taco pasta combines Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting pasta. Cheesy, zesty, and packed with protein, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 (15 oz or 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (237 ml) frozen corn
- 8 oz (226 g) uncooked pasta (shells or penne)
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups (474 ml) milk
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz or 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (1 oz or 28 g) packet taco seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat browns completely and onions become translucent. Eliminate excess grease thoroughly.
- Flavor Infusion: Mix taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn into beef mixture. Allow ingredients to simmer briefly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Assembly: Combine beef mixture with uncooked pasta, first portion of shredded cheese, milk, and heavy cream in a greased baking dish. Season with salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Resting Phase: Cover baking dish securely with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and develop complex flavor profile.
- Baking Process: Remove dish from refrigerator and preheat oven to 375F (190C). Bake covered for 35-40 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finishing Touch: Uncover dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Activate broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, crispy layer with bubbling edges.
- Serving: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and plate alongside tortilla chips or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is browned at medium-high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors without burning. Pat meat dry before cooking to achieve better searing and prevent steaming.
- Prevent Pasta Mushiness: Choose sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rotini that can withstand overnight soaking without becoming overly soft. Slightly undercook pasta before assembling to maintain texture during baking.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options. Use lactose-free milk and cheese alternatives for dairy-sensitive diners. Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for specific dietary requirements.
- Enhance Flavor Complexity: Add a splash of beer or beef broth instead of milk for richer depth. Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the taco-inspired profile. Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for more intense taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg