Baked Mexican Pasta
A hearty casserole combining the comforting textures of pasta with vibrant Mexican flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the vegetable mixture. Stir in one cup of cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
Baking
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
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Notes
For serving, consider providing optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Pair with tortilla chips for crunch. This dish can be was made in advance and frozen for convenience.