Bow Tie Taco Casserole
🥳 Description
Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with this Bow Tie Taco Casserole recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This savory dish, a symphony of seasoned meats, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese, combined with the delightful texture of bow tie pasta, is bound to become a family favorite. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal brings together the warmth of comfort food with a touch of Mexican flair, making it a hit for all ages.
🍽️ Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
🏷️ Keywords
Pork, Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
🍲 Servings
8
⏲️ Times
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 50 minutes |
🌟 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 691.6
- Fat Content: 37.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 17.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 167.4mg
- Sodium Content: 1253.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 51.9g
- Fiber Content: 5.1g
- Sugar Content: 7.7g
- Protein Content: 37g
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 green peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Pam cooking spray
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with Pam cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and ground pork together until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
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Add Veggies and Simmer: Stir in the diced green peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and taco seasoning mix into the browned meat. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cook the Pasta: While the meat mixture is simmering, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta thoroughly to remove all excess water.
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Combine Pasta with Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix well until the cheese is evenly distributed and starts to melt slightly from the heat of the pasta.
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Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom. Pour the meat mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly as well. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
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Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut into servings. Enjoy the delicious blend of pasta, meat, and cheese in every bite! 🌮🧀
🍴 Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to substitute Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For an extra boost of nutrition and flavor, add in some diced onions, corn, or black beans when you stir in the green peppers.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
🌈 Final Thoughts
This Bow Tie Taco Casserole is a delightful fusion of hearty pasta and zesty taco flavors, making it a versatile and family-friendly dish that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together, this casserole can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a quick dinner option or prepare it ahead of time for those hectic days, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious! 🌮🍝🥳
