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Taco Noodle Bake

Taco Noodle Bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines the bold flavors of classic beef tacos with tender egg noodles and creamy cheese sauce. Made with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, sour cream, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this baked pasta dish is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 12 oz package medium egg noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 1 oz package taco seasoning
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • 1 10.75 oz can cheddar cheese soup
  • 16 oz sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook egg noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
  • Add taco seasoning and water to the beef, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, Rotel tomatoes, cooked noodles, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly throughout.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Swap cheddar cheese soup with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup.
  • Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.

Make-Ahead

  • Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
  • Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Variations

  • Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
  • Serve with a side salad or corn for a complete meal.

Avoid Mistakes

  • Don’t overcook noodles—they’ll soften more while baking.
  • Drain excess grease from beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Mix thoroughly so every bite is evenly seasoned.