Ingredients:
- 3/4 bag of ziti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 package of cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheese (your choice of cheese)
Instructions:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Start by boiling the ziti noodles until they are cooked according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Taco Seasoning Mix:
- Add the package of taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and mix it with the taco seasoning.
- Allow the beef and seasoning mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cream Cheese Addition:
- Next, add the cream cheese to the beef mixture.
- Stir the mixture continuously to melt the cream cheese completely.
- Remove the pan from the heat once the cream cheese is fully melted and well combined with the beef.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese:
- Place the cooked and drained ziti noodles in a baking dish.
- Mix in 1 cup of grated cheese with the pasta.
- Layering:
- Now, top the pasta and cheese mixture with the beef and cream cheese mixture.
- Gently toss the layers together to ensure even distribution.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the baking dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve your delicious Taco Ziti Casserole.
Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy taco-inspired pasta casserole.