Taco Beef Noodle Bake
A flavorful baked pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 packages taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green onion tops included ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package wide noodles ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck, stirring often, and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, tomato sauce, water, and taco seasoning mix to the meat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook wide noodles according to package directions; drain.
- Combine cooked noodles, ricotta cheese, sour cream, flour, and green onion; mix well.
- Spoon the noodle mixture into a 13 x 9-inch pan. Top with the meat mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can save you a step.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco Beef Noodle Bake is great on its own, but you can enhance your meal with a fresh side salad or some guacamole. It also pairs beautifully with Black Bean And Rice Burritos for a hearty Mexican-inspired feast. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a vegetable medley.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Beef Noodle Bake contains roughly 542 calories, with 20g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% 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 assemble the Taco Beef Noodle Bake a day in advance. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the wide noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For a lower-carb version, spaghetti squash can also work well. Just ensure that any substitutions you make cook evenly and maintain the dish's overall texture.
Can I freeze the Taco Beef Noodle Bake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled bake before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
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).