Cheesy Mexican Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Mexican Pasta Bake is a delightful and satisfying meatless dish inspired by flavors of Mexico. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is loaded with hearty ingredients like black beans and kidney beans, complemented by the robust tastes of taco seasoning, fresh vegetables, and delicious cheeses. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal—simply prepare it in advance and freeze for a quick future dinner. The combination of elbow macaroni with a rich, savory tomato sauce makes it a favorite among family members of all ages. Serve it topped with creamy sour cream and a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Green Pepper
1 cup (chopped)
Celery
1 cup (sliced)
Taco Seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package
Black Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained & rinsed)
Red Kidney Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (undrained)
Tomato Sauce
1 (16 ounce) can
Diced Tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can
Elbow Macaroni
2 cups (dry)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, and sliced celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the taco seasoning, drained and rinsed black beans, undrained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly combined.
6
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. If you're preparing to freeze, allow it to cool slightly then transfer to a gallon-sized zip-lock bag, label with baking instructions, and freeze.
7
For baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
8
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy with sour cream and a side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty meatless casserole made with elbow macaroni, black beans, kidney beans, and Mexican-inspired spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a meatless dish that uses beans as the primary protein source.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of pasta is best for this Mexican bake?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long should I bake the pasta casserole?
Bake the casserole for 45 minutes, then add cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
Can this Mexican pasta bake be frozen?
Yes, it is a fantastic make-ahead meal that can be stored in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag and frozen for future use.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
No, for this recipe, you should use the red kidney beans undrained to add moisture and flavor to the sauce.
Should the black beans be rinsed?
Yes, the black beans should be both drained and rinsed before being added to the mixture.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe features chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and sliced celery.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish for this recipe.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can easily substitute with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
How should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it is al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
What kind of sauce is used in this bake?
The base consists of a combination of canned tomato sauce and canned diced tomatoes mixed with taco seasoning.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is best served with a dollop of creamy sour cream and a fresh side salad.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, green pepper, and celery for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, the combination of pasta, mild beans, and melted cheese makes it a favorite for family members of all ages.
How much taco seasoning is needed?
The recipe requires one 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning.
Can I prepare this meal in advance without freezing?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in the baking pan, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well as a substitute.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Ensure you cook the pasta only to al dente and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process before baking.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can brown ground beef or turkey with the vegetables if you prefer a version that includes meat.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you choose; you can use mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
How long should the mixture simmer before adding pasta?
Simmer the bean and tomato mixture for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before folding in the macaroni.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
The instructions suggest covering the dish with aluminum foil for the initial 45-minute baking period.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes with about 2 cups of fresh, chopped tomatoes.
How do I reheat the frozen version?
Thaw the mixture completely in the refrigerator, transfer to a baking dish, and follow the standard baking instructions.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, using beans and pasta as the main ingredients makes this an affordable and filling dinner option.
Should I let the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the pasta bake sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to help it set before serving.