This is an interpretation of a dish I saw at Carrie in the Kitchen (originally at About a Bit of Everything). It’s SO tasty, but rather unphotogenic — as I suppose a lot of casseroles are.
Regardless, you should try this. Just, you know, don’t sign it up for a food modeling contest.
Taco pasta bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces dried pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 can Ro*tel
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Cook pasta in salted water for two minutes less than lowest time recommendation on box (e.g. if “cook 7 minutes for al dente” then cook yours for 5 minutes); drain
- Brown ground beef and drain any grease; add water and taco seasoning, stir, and let simmer uncovered 5-10 minutes; stir in cream cheese, cooked pasta and RO*TEL
- Spoon into greased casserole dish and top with mozzarella cheese; bake for 20 minutes or so until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown around the edges
Bonus: this freezes like a dream! Make two and freeze one covered in a layer of plastic wrap then a layer of foil — just remember to remove the plastic wrap before baking!
One Particular Kitchen 
You know, I’m an unabashed food snob but I am a sucker for a good casserole. And Rotel. God bless this dish.
It’s in our Southern genes. We’re culturally obligated to have a soft spot for casserole. And Rotel. 🙂
I am making this right now. I will give a full report soon.