1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a low broil. This will allow the cheese to melt and bubble beautifully, creating a golden, crispy top that’s irresistible. A broiler setting helps to quickly melt and brown the cheese without overcooking the rest of the dish.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the oven is preheating, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. This will help the pasta maintain its texture after it’s baked. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them until the onion becomes soft and slightly golden, and the bell pepper begins to soften as well. The aromatics of the onion and pepper will fill your kitchen and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

4. Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pan with the sautéed onions and peppers. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently, ensuring the meat cooks evenly and no longer has any pink spots. The beef should be cooked through and nicely browned by the time you’re ready to move on to the next step.

5. Add the Flavorful Taco Seasoning

Once the ground beef is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir well, letting the garlic cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the taco seasoning, followed by the water, and stir to combine. The seasoning will infuse the beef and vegetables with all the classic taco flavors, creating a mouthwatering base for the pasta bake.

6. Mix in the Pasta and Salsa

At this point, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the beef and vegetable mixture, along with the salsa or marinara sauce (whichever you prefer). Stir everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated in the flavorful beef mixture.

7. Add the Cheese

Now comes the fun part! Add about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir it in until it’s melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. The cheese adds creaminess and a rich, savory flavor that complements the taco seasoning perfectly. Once the cheese is melted, transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.

8. Bake the Pasta

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is lightly golden and bubbling. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning, as broilers can vary in heat.

9. Add the Toppings

Once your Taco Pasta Bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top the dish with your favorite taco toppings to add freshness and a burst of flavor. Slice the avocado and arrange it on top, along with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa. These toppings add a cool, creamy contrast to the warmth of the baked pasta and elevate the flavors to another level.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Taco Pasta Bake warm, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, flavorful dish. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch. The combination of the tender pasta, savory beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings creates a deliciously satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.