Overnight Taco Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the bold taste of tacos with the comforting texture of pasta. The overnight resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two favorites: tacos and pasta.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free meals.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Loaded with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or turkey
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (canned)
- Tomato sauce
- Pasta (rotini, penne, or your choice)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Sour cream or cream cheese
- Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season the meat: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, taco meat mixture, sour cream or cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake the next day: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the covered dish for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Chilling time: Overnight
Variations
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Loaded taco pasta: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Mix in a dollop of queso or nacho cheese sauce.
- Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well for this recipe.
2. Do I have to let the dish rest overnight?
Resting overnight enhances the flavors, but you can bake it immediately if needed.
3. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken are great substitutes.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy?
Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overmixing with the sauce to maintain texture.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach are excellent additions.
6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
7. What toppings go well with taco pasta?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips add great texture and flavor.
8. Is taco seasoning necessary?
Taco seasoning is essential for the classic flavor, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
9. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients (except cheese topping) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cheese in the last 30 minutes.
10. Can I prepare this dish in smaller portions?
Yes, divide the mixture into smaller baking dishes and bake as needed.
Conclusion
Overnight Taco Pasta is the ultimate make-ahead comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for busy schedules. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and absolutely delicious. Try it out for your next meal and enjoy the perfect fusion of tacos and pasta!
Print
Overnight Taco Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Overnight Taco Pasta is a make-ahead, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, it’s a hearty meal that’s ready when you are!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see Notes)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) uncooked pasta (shells or penne work well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or sour cream for tang)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease. - Add Seasoning and Ingredients:
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. - Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish:
In a large greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, cooked beef mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and black pepper. - Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the pasta to soak up the flavors and liquid. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Keep the dish covered and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. - Add Cheese and Broil:
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve warm with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Combine 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Pasta Options: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best for this recipe.
- Add-Ins: Add diced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.