Description
This Overnight Taco Pasta recipe combines seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and elbow macaroni to create a flavorful and comforting casserole. Prepared in advance and baked the next day, it’s perfect for busy households craving a hearty, cheesy, taco-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Cheese Sauce
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, shredded or diced
Pasta and Topping
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water, cooking until the water is absorbed and the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and Velveeta cheese until smooth and creamy over low heat.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl and mix with the creamy cheese sauce until fully incorporated.
- Add Pasta: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the beef and sauce mixture, coating the pasta evenly.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld and pasta soften slightly.
- Bake: The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the pasta is thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious overnight taco pasta casserole.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well after browning to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- The dish requires refrigeration overnight for best texture and flavor melding.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use a spicy taco seasoning or add jalapeños.
- Velveeta cheese helps create a smooth, creamy sauce but can be substituted with processed cheddar for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
