Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) Tomatoes with juice, coarsely chopped
• 1 packet (1.25 oz) Taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (16 oz) Black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups Cooked ziti or penne pasta (equivalent to 1 3/4 cups dried pasta)
• 2 Tbs Olive oil
• 1 cup Part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 (8-ounce) Chicken breast halves, boneless, skinless, cut into 1/2″ pieces (Optional – leave out for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Mexi-blend cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 7- x 11-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium nonreactive bowl, mix the chopped onions, tomatoes with their juice, and the taco seasoning mix. Add the black beans to the mixture and toss to combine.
3. Toss the cooked ziti or penne pasta with olive oil in a separate bowl.
4. Spread 1 cup of the tomato-bean mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the cooked pasta over the tomato mixture.
5. Dot the pasta with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, then use a knife to gently spread the ricotta over the pasta layer.
6. If using chicken, stir the cut chicken pieces into the remaining tomato-bean mixture. Spoon the chicken-tomato mixture over the ricotta layer.
7. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar or Mexi-blend cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
9. Serve the cheesy pasta casserole immediately and enjoy!

Note:

This delicious Taco Pasta Casserole combines the flavors of a taco with the comfort of pasta. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking by adding chicken or leaving it out for a vegetarian version. The ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while the shredded Cheddar or Mexi-blend cheese creates a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love. Serve this casserole as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings and potlucks. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this flavorful casserole!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Ground Beef or Turkey: Instead of using chicken, you can use ground beef or ground turkey to add a different protein source. Brown the ground meat with taco seasoning before layering it in the casserole.
2. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat altogether and add more beans or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian ground meat.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
4. Spicy Kick: Enhance the dish with diced jalapenos or green chilies to add a spicy kick to the casserole.
5. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese for a unique flavor profile.
6. Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed or blanched vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to boost the veggie content.
7. Creamy Twist: Add a layer of creamy avocado or guacamole between the pasta and ricotta cheese for a luxurious touch.
8. Taco Seasoning Blend: Customize the taco seasoning by making your own blend using a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
9. Tex-Mex Flavors: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Tex-Mex flavor burst.
10. Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped scallions as a garnish for added freshness.