Easy Mexican Penne Pasta Casserole Recipe Is a Dinner Winner by Ann Marie G. Halstead

Everyone needs several good casserole recipes in their dinner recipe rotation. Mexican and Italian cooking combine to make one fantastic baked ground beef casserole recipe. This easy penne pasta casserole is a quick and hearty dinner that whole family will enjoy.

To make this easy Mexican penne pasta casserole recipe you will need ground beef, taco seasoning, chunky salsa, red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, penne pasta, cheese and sour cream. 

Start by cooking ground beef in a skillet. Add taco seasoning, chunky salsa, chopped red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano. In a mixing bowl you'll combine the cooked penne pasta (keep it al dente), half of the shredded cheese and sour cream. The casserole is layered, ending with the remaining cheese, then baked for about 30 minutes.

Serve this layered pasta casserole for dinner with a salad or your favorite side dishes.

Cuisine: Mexican / American / Italian 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 ounce (1 packet) taco seasoning
• 15 ounces (1 jar) chunky salsa
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta), cooked according to package directions for al dente
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Recipe Notes

• You can add some freshness and color by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro.

• If you're not a fan of penne, use rotini, fusilli, bowtie or any other short dried pasta.

• Try this recipe with ground chicken or ground turkey.

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave.

Here's how to make it: 

1. In a skillet, cook the ground until cooked through. Drain fat. Add the taco seasoning, salsa, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano. Bring to a boil and then immediately turn the heat off. 
2. In a bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, 1 cup of the cheese and the sour cream. Pour half of the pasta into a casserole dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. 
3. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. 

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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