Print

Taco Casserole with Noodles Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 88 reviews

This Taco Casserole with Noodles combines the hearty flavors of ground turkey, bell peppers, and black beans with pasta, all baked under a luscious layer of melted cheddar cheese. Infused with taco seasoning and a hint of garlic, this dish offers a comforting, family-friendly meal that blends Mexican-inspired ingredients with classic casserole elements. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 10 ounces pasta (gluten-free, chickpea, lentil, or regular)
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s just al dente since it will bake further in the casserole.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to preheat for the baking step.
  3. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering.
  4. Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook it until it’s lightly browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Add Peppers and Onions: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced red onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  6. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the vegetable and meat mixture, sautéing for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
  7. Add Other Ingredients: Mix in the taco seasoning, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, plain Greek yogurt, and rinsed black beans. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  8. Add Pasta: Drain the pasta and add it to the pot with the turkey and vegetable mixture, folding gently to combine without mashing the ingredients.
  9. Top with Cheese: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish if not already in one. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese becomes melted, golden, and bubbly.
  11. Serve and Garnish: Optionally, top the casserole with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and crunch. Serve warm and enjoy your taco-inspired casserole!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred.
  • Using Greek yogurt adds creaminess instead of sour cream and boosts protein content.
  • For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños into the mixture before baking.
  • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
  • Feel free to add other veggies such as corn or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/taco-casserole-with-noodles-recipe/