Fiesta Taco Bake
Fiesta Taco Bake is a flavorful, cheesy casserole combining tender radiatore pasta with seasoned ground beef, corn, green chilies, and a blend of melted Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, it offers bold Tex-Mex flavors with a comforting baked texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked radiatore pasta ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mild taco sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook radiatore pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes; drain off fat.
- Stir in frozen corn, taco sauce, tomato sauce, drained green chilies, cumin, and salt.
- Add cooked radiatore to the beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese and shredded Mozzarella cheese over the mixture in alternating rows to form 3 Cheddar and 2 Mozzarella strips.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with tomato wedges and avocado slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used instead. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste or add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. This hearty dish is great for feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with fresh avocado slices and tomato wedges for a refreshing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexicali Rice or a crisp green salad. For an extra kick, serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side. It also complements well with Mexican recipes like Taco Chip Dip for a fun meal spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Taco Bake contains roughly 901 calories, with 40g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2566mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of radiatore pasta?
If you can't find radiatore pasta, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or any short pasta shape. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the beef mixture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat. Additionally, using spicy taco sauce or pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar will elevate the spiciness of this Fiesta Taco Bake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).